Let Aug 5 verdict be final decision in Malaysian mothers citizenship case

THE Court of Appeal has set Aug 5 to deliver its verdict on the appeal by the government to overturn a landmark ruling that allows automatic citizenship to children born overseas to Malaysian mothers married to foreigners.

Wanita MCA expresses its heartfelt sympathy as we stand in solidarity with the troubled mothers affected by this issue, who undoubtedly feel insecure and frustrated as long as there is no final verdict on the matter.

Following the High Court ruling on Sept 9, 2021, Wanita MCA was aware that many mothers rushed to the Putrajaya National Registration Department in a bid to complete the citizenship application for their children. This shows that there is a significant number of mothers in the community who are tormented by this issue, which is gender discriminatory in nature and infringes on basic human rights.

Hence, Wanita MCA encourages Malaysian mothers with foreign spouses whose children were born overseas to press on and fight for their rights as Malaysian citizens. This is in accordance with Article 8 (2) of the Federal Constitution, which states that there shall be no discrimination against citizens on the ground of religion, race, descent, gender or place of birth in any law.

Therefore, Wanita MCA reiterates that we will stand with the mothers who have been fighting for years for the sake of their children. On Aug 5, Wanita MCA hopes that the Court of Appeal will uphold the High Court ruling and put an end to this troubling issue.

Datuk Heng Seai Kie

Wanita MCA National Chairperson