KUALA LUMPUR – The government’s decision to appeal against the high court’s ruling on the equal conferment of citizenship on children born overseas to Malaysian mothers has drawn the ire of opposition MPs, who made known their disapproval in Parliament today.
Leading the cries of objection is opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (Port Dickson-PH), who warned that the move will send the wrong signal that Putrajaya discriminates against women.
He agreed that the government should immediately withdraw its bid to challenge the decision, and proposed that amendments be made instead to improve the law if there are lingering problems surrounding the issue.
“The prime minister keeps talking about a ‘keluarga’ (family), but he allowed the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) to appeal against the court decision,” he said when debating the royal decree.
This gives a bad signal that the government is discriminating against women. It is fundamental for a civilised country to act fairly to women.”
He was commenting on reports that the government yesterday filed an appeal against the court decision.
In a landmark ruling on Thursday, the high court said Malaysian mothers have the right to confer citizenship on their children born overseas, on an equal basis with Malaysian men.
Maszlee Malik (Simpang Renggam-independent) questioned what this will mean for newborns without citizenship, especially when they grow up and seek education in Malaysia.
“During Pakatan Harapan’s time in power, we introduced a ‘zero rejection’ policy and allowed all children to enter schools, and for all schools to facilitate these students. But since Perikatan Nasional took over, this policy has not been mentioned.”
Sivarasa Rasiah (Sg Buloh-PH) suggested that a better move would be for the government to withdraw its appeal, issue an “Aku Janji” to make the high court judgment a policy, and amend the necessary provisions to allow for this.
In return, he said, the opposition will guarantee its support – on the condition that any bill is drafted together.
Responding to this, Anwar said: “I agree, and I believe this matter should be supported.”
The PKR president said he will ask PH representatives negotiating with the government to raise the issue during their meetings.
“I understand there is a rationale (for the government wanting to challenge the court ruling), but it is best if AGC can propose to the government the necessary amendments instead.” – The Vibes, September 14, 2021
