NGO lauds cabinet decision on citizenships for children born overseas to M’sian mums

KUALA LUMPUR – Family Frontiers, a non-governmental organisation that focuses on citizenship, livelihoods, policy advocacy, and women’s rights, welcomed the cabinet’s proposal to grant automatic citizenship to foreign-born children of Malaysian mothers.

This significant move is a step forward concerning the rights of Malaysian women and their foreign-born children who faced discrimination in the past, said the movement in a press statement today.

“We are now waiting with bated breath for the amendments to be tabled in Parliament; only once the amendments are passed, we can breathe out in relief – the mothers concerned will be able to submit their children’s documents to the Registration Department to receive citizenship certificates. But we are certainly on the right track,” said Suriani Kempe, president of Family Frontiers.

Family Frontiers thanked the prime minister, the cabinet, home minister, minister in the prime minister’s department and supporters that spoke out on this matter. 

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said mentioned that the cabinet has agreed to amend the federal constitution to allow Malaysian mothers married to foreign spouses to pass their citizenship to their overseas-born children.

The amendment bill is expected to be tabled in the current Parliament session, which ends on March 30. – The Vibes, February 18, 2023