Concerns about Malaysia’s Citizenship Bill 2024

WE, the Development of Human Resources for Rural Areas (DHRRA) Malaysia non-profit organisation, congratulate the Madani government and the Home Affairs Ministry on the successful passage of the Citizenship Bill in the Dewan Negara. This landmark legislation addresses a critical issue of gender inequality, ensuring that Malaysian women whose children are born overseas can now secure citizenship for their children. Although the Bill is not retroactive, we are encouraged by the government’s commitment to resolving cases involving children born before this amendment. This represents a significant step towards inclusivity and equality.

However, we remain deeply concerned about the impact of three additional regressive amendments that were passed alongside the Bill. We extend our gratitude to the Parliamentarians in both the Lower House and Senate who have responsibly voiced their concerns and advocated for essential safeguards to address these amendments and the standard operating procedures (SOPs), which often operate without parliamentary oversight. We also recognise the Home Ministry's efforts in offering improved solutions to some of the concerns, particularly in managing the gaps surrounding this controversial Bill.