KUALA LUMPUR: The government should provide a clear explanation and guidance to those who have been denied citizenship, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
The Ayer Hitam MP said there were 5,718 cases where citizenship applications were unsuccessful and the authorities should give the reasons why they failed.
He cited the case of Lim Pei Nee, a banker whose son was granted citizenship while her application was denied, with no explanation.
Debating the constitutional amendments on citizenship in the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday (Oct 16), Dr Wee argued that the government needs to reveal its standard operating procedures (SOP) for handling citizenship applications under Articles 15A and 19 of the Federal Constitution.
"What action can be taken to assist those whose 5,718 cases are stuck?
"The least that can be done is to tell them why their applications failed, and what can be done so that they can re-apply through the proper process," he added.
Dr Wee urged the government to disclose the SOP, especially now that the age requirement has been reduced from 21 to 18.
Dr Wee said he supports the constitutional amendments, describing them as "something good for Malaysia", and is in favour of the minister concerned listening to views of families, volunteers and other NGOs, as well as the affected children.
The Bill to amend the Federal Constitution aims to grant citizenship to overseas-born children of Malaysian women and to lower the age limit for citizenship applications by registration from 21 to 18.
