PARLIAMENT | The debate on the controversial proposed amendments to the Federal Constitution on citizenship laws has been deferred to the next Dewan Rakyat sitting, which will commence in late June.
This comes after Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail tabled the second reading of the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2024 this evening in the august house.
However, shortly after, speaker Johari Abdul announced the adjournment of the current Dewan Rakyat session.
Following the decision, Shahidan Kassim (PN - Arau) took a jibe at the government bloc by repeatedly chanting "penakut" (coward).
On Monday, Saifuddin tabled the first reading of the bill and said the second and third reading will also be presented in the same Parliamentary session, which concludes today.
This comes after the government agreed to drop a controversial constitutional amendment, which would deny automatic citizenship to foundling babies.
The government also dropped an amendment that would affect stateless Orang Asli.
However, critics and activists say that the remaining amendments are still problematic.e inadvertently restricted if the government proceeds with plans to deny children of “permanent residents” automatic citizenship.
This was because the provision for foundlings states that these babies are considered to be children of mothers who are "permanently residents" of the country and therefore entitled to automatic citizenship.
Other controversial amendments that are still on the table include one to shorten the window for stateless Malaysians to register for citizenship from 21 years to 18 years.
Another amendment could end up depriving foreign wives of Malaysian men of citizenship if they decide to leave a bad marriage.
When tabling the bill today, Saifuddin reiterated that the constitutional amendments were not intended to deny any groups the right to obtain citizenship.
Instead, he said that the bill was carefully crafted to safeguard the country’s security and sovereignty, which are the main priorities.
“Our national agenda is to preserve the people and country from any external security threats that may occur.
“If it’s (amendments to the Constitution) not properly managed, it can paralyse the country’s administration,” he said.
As a member state of the United Nations' Convention on the Rights of the Child, Saifuddin said Malaysia had never denied the granting of citizenship to foundlings in the country.
He added that there are still avenues for abandoned children to obtain citizenship.
"This dichotomy aligns with the ministry's objective to maintain national security, eradicate all forms of subversive, extremist, espionage, sabotage, violence, terrorism threats and ultimately ensure the overall harmony of all Malaysians."
The Bill would require the support of two-thirds of Dewan Rakyat members, which is 148 votes, as it involves amending the Constitution.
- Mkini
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