Enshrine citizenship rights in the Constitution, don't leave it up to minister's discretion

The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) reiterates its concerns and objections to the proposed series of amendments to the citizenship provisions of the Federal Constitution. However, Suhakam supports and welcomes the proposal to amend Article 14(1)(b) of the Federal Constitution to recognize gender equality. The response of the Home Affairs Minister, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, stating that the National Registration Department (NRD) has been actively clearing the backlog of citizenship applications, is applauded and highly appreciated.

However, Suhakam's major concern lies with the other five proposed amendments which will affect children born out of wedlock to Malaysian men, stateless children adopted by Malaysian parents, and foundlings. Our concerns revolve around the fact that such significant issues of citizenship provisions and rights must be enshrined in the Constitution and not left to the discretion of the minister.