DR Amalina Bakri is no stranger to Malaysians' opinions, especially on social media. She often uses her platforms to dispense medical advice and share her thoughts on current issues. The general surgeon and clinical research fellow residing in London is expecting her first child.
Recently, she has been on the receiving end of unwanted coverage on her plans for the birth, reported Says.
During a Q&A on Instagram, an unknown user asked Dr Amalina, "What citizenship will your child hold? British or dual citizenship?" Her answer was, "Our children will be British".
This created an unfavorable reaction among the netizenry, after which Dr Amalina responded with a post on her account on August 7.
She defended her decision, saying "You may be aware that if a Malaysian woman, who is married to a non-Malaysian man, were to give birth outside the country, their child would not be allowed to receive automatic Malaysian citizenship."
She was referring to the decision by the Malaysian Court of Appeal that denies Malaysian mothers from passing on citizenship to their overseas-born children.
Dr Amalina also decried the media that reported on the birth and nationality of her child without her permission.
"Of course, I'd have loved for my children to be Malaysian, but my husband is British, and we both work and live in the UK"
She went on to describe her work commitments in the UK and how travelling at this stage of the pregnancy is not a viable option.
"I am currently in my third trimester, and I'm still working. Taking a long flight and an extended leave from work is not the right thing to do for us and our baby. This is the best decision for us as a family, and it is our choice."
Dr Amalina had this to say to her detractors: "To those who love to insult and slander, I am not here doing unproductive things. I work, continuing in my field of expertise, and I am doing my PhD to become the best that I can be in my field."
Dr Amalina also reiterated how she was sponsored by a grant and had won fellowship from Imperial College London.
"My specialised training is being paid for by the tax money of UK citizens after I competed against thousands of UK citizens and international graduates to get into this programme. I have worked so hard to help other people. Is it wrong for me to chase academic success?"
She asked the netizens to encourage and pray for each other's success instead of criticising.
Dr Amalina also wrote, "I am aware that there are other Malaysian women married to foreigners, who are still fighting for their children's rights to Malaysian citizenship. I hope that they will find a solution."
She said that despite living in the UK and being British, her children will still be half-Malay, and the mix of two cultures will be nothing less than a colourful life. "I'd raise our children to understand Malaysian and Islamic values, as well as to learn the Malay language. At the end of the day, it doesn't matter where they live or what passport they hold; what matters is that they are human beings with good moral values who can contribute to humanity."
Her post has since received more than 80,000 likes and many uplifting comments from the public.
Actress @catrionabrianross said: That last paragraph was powerful ???
Muar MP @syedsaddiq noted: You’re an inspiration to many. Keep on inspiring Dr ?
User @jem313 wrote: Ignore the haters. The world is small. Borders and nationalities are human created (sic). Excel wherever you are. All the best for the rest of the pregnancy.
@imshahidah posted: Well said! ?? some Malaysians here will forever be toxic. Ignore them.
User @wanainameera said: Depa xde modal berita Doc.. sabar yee (It's a slow news day, doc... be patient). – The Vibes, August 16, 2022
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