THE proposed amendments to the Federal Constitution involving the issue of citizenship will take into consideration to not automatically grant citizenship to children of foreigners residing in Malaysia, says Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
Saifuddin said based on existing provisions in the Federal Constitution, a child born to parents who are permanent residents (red IC holders), will be given a citizenship.
“When I checked the Hansard on when exactly the policy was introduced, it is aimed to manage some issues when Singapore exited Malaysia in 1963.
“But technically, those who are holding the red IC are not citizens.
“So, we will be proposing that in such cases where both parents have red ICs, the child will have to apply for citizenship and not be given automatic citizenship,” said the Home Minister, who was responding to a supplementary question from Kalam Salan (PN-Sabak Bernam).
Kalam had asked on constraints by the Home Ministry in solving citizenship issues of those holding permanent residency in Malaysia.
Saifuddin said under the proposed amendment, the government proposed that children born in the country to married couples, both with permanent resident status, no longer continue to be granted citizenship automatically and need to apply for citizenship.
He cited Malaysian citizens who are permanent residents of certain countries would not get automatic citizenship for their child born there.
“For example, for Malaysians who are permanent residents in Australia when they give birth to a child there, Australia does not grant automatic citizenship to the child,” he said.
Saifuddin also said the government was still searching for the best formula to address the issue related to foundlings in the citizenship legislation amendments.
He told the Dewan Rakyat that engagement sessions were still ongoing with the respective whip chiefs of various political coalitions, including Perikatan Nasional and Barisan Nasional.
“The engagement session will still go on until the (amendments) are tabled and the draft of the bluebill itself is printed,” he said in reply to a question from Mohamad Shafizan Kepli (GPS-Batang Lupar) during Question Time.
Mohamad Shafizan had asked the Home Ministry whether it had taken into consideration the concerns raised by various parties on the implication of the proposed amendments towards foundlings.
He also wanted to know whether there would be a mechanism to give automatic citizenship for foundlings as suggested by certain parties.
Various human rights advocates have voiced their concern over the amendments, saying that the proposed amendments to citizenship laws could leave thousands of children stateless.
