Don't rush citizenship amendments, says Wanita MCA

PETALING JAYA: The government must approach citizenship amendments with a thorough understanding of its potential implications, says Wanita MCA.

Its national chairman Wong You Fong (pic) said, in a statement Friday (March 22), that rushing through such legislative changes without careful scrutiny risks undermining the values of inclusivity and fairness that are integral to the identity of our nation.

"While the inclusion of amendments addressing the long-standing issue of equality for Malaysian mothers and their children born overseas to foreign fathers is a positive step forward, there are concerns that this vital amendment has been bundled alongside other provisions that raise concerns," she said.

Because of this, Wanita MCA urges the government to decouple the citizenship amendment aimed at providing equality to Malaysian mothers with children born overseas from the rest.

"This amendment represents a significant step towards rectifying long-standing injustices and must be accorded the Dewan Rakyat’s consideration.

"The remaining provisions can be subjected to further study and deliberation to ensure that they are implemented only when supported by sufficient evidence and scrutiny," Wong said.

The full text of her statement can be read below:

IN ANTICIPATION of the upcoming citizenship amendments scheduled for tabling in Parliament next week, there is a growing apprehension among civil society groups and the public regarding the potential impact of the proposed changes on certain vulnerable groups within Malaysia, particularly in relation to the children of Permanent Residents, foundlings and stateless children, and foreign wives.

While the inclusion of amendments addressing the long-standing issue of equality for Malaysian mothers and their children born overseas to foreign fathers is a positive step forward, there are concerns that this vital amendment has been bundled alongside other provisions that raise concerns regarding the potential erosion of citizenship rights for some marginalised groups within Malaysia.

This juxtaposition warrants a nuanced approach to ensure that the fundamental rights of all citizens are safeguarded. We don't want to take one step forward, only to then take two steps backward.

Citizenship forms the cornerstone of all basic rights in Malaysia. Without it, these children face significant barriers in accessing essential services such as healthcare and education, thereby condemning them to a disadvantaged life.

The amalgamation of progressive measures with other provisions has raised questions about the overall direction of the proposed changes.

Wanita MCA recognises that the government’s first concern is to prioritise Malaysian children and ensure that they get access to government aids and services first.

But the secondary reason of "national security" is a bit of a stretch: these are mainly children we are talking about. It is essential to ensure that these efforts, however good-intentioned, do not inadvertently compromise the rights and dignity of vulnerable communities.

It is crucial to strike a balance between the principle objective (i.e. prioritising Malaysian children first), and the principles of equality and justice that underpin our society. After all, the road to hell is usually paved with good intentions.

In acknowledging the political expediency of such measures, it is important to approach these amendments with a thorough understanding of their potential implications.

Rushing through legislative changes without careful scrutiny risks undermining the values of inclusivity and fairness that are integral to the identity of our nation.

Therefore, we urge the government to decouple the citizenship amendment aimed at providing equality to Malaysian mothers with children born overseas from the rest.

This amendment represents a significant step towards rectifying long-standing injustices and must be accorded the Dewan Rakyat’s consideration. The remaining provisions can be subjected to further study and deliberation to ensure that they are implemented only when supported by sufficient evidence and scrutiny.

We may end up fundamentally changing the highest law of the land, the Constitution, causing a domino effect affecting a whole series of legislations that will impact the lives of hundreds of thousands.

There must be other ways to ensure that those more deserving come first, without dehumanising others. Only through a comprehensive understanding of the potential impact can we ensure that these constitutional changes do not end up leaving any woman or child behind.

WONG YOU FONG

Wanita MCA National Chairman