BATU PAHAT: The government is in the final phase of deciding when to implement automatic citizenship for children born overseas to Malaysian mothers married to foreign nationals, says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
The Home Minister said they are now awaiting the final processes before the Constitutional amendment comes into force.
"At my ministry’s level, all preparations have been completed, including preparations involving our representatives overseas and the necessary forms," he said after an engagement session with students at Pusat Latihan Teknologi Tinggi Batu Pahat on Tuesday (June 8).
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He was referring to the Constitutional amendment approved by Parliament that grants automatic citizenship to children born overseas to Malaysian mothers married to foreign nationals.
He said prior to the amendment, such children were required to apply for Malaysian citizenship through registration.
Saifuddin Nasution said the amendment would have a significant impact on Malaysian mothers as their children would automatically acquire citizenship by operation of law once the amendment takes effect.
"They will no longer have to fight in court or apply for their children to obtain citizenship," he said.
On Oct 17, 2024, the Dewan Rakyat made history by passing the Constitution Amendment Bill 2024 on citizenship with a two-thirds majority.
The amendment, among other changes, ensures that children born abroad to Malaysian mothers married to foreign men will now automatically acquire Malaysian citizenship, a right that was previously only granted if the father was a Malaysian citizen.
This amendment was introduced to strengthen the principles of justice, equality and transparency in the granting of citizenship, in line with the nation's current realities and aspirations.
