With another week left in the current Dewan Rakyat session, civil society organisations that came together as the Malaysian Citizenship Rights Alliance (MCRA) have intensified lobbying efforts among both government and opposition MPs.
Among others, MCRA representatives comprising stateless and citizenship rights activists met with opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin and Perikatan Nasional chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin in Parliament this week.
When contacted, Development of Human Resources for Rural Areas Malaysia director for social protection, Maalini Ramalo, said: “We are reaching out to backbenchers, party whips, opposition, practically all MPs.”
“We are urging them to take a position to decouple the amendments in the best interest of children and, if the time comes, to vote with their conscience as their responsibility towards their rakyat.
“On behalf of the MCRA, this is how we are lobbying the MPs,” she told Malaysiakini.
One particularly contentious amendment would remove automatic citizenship for foundlings.
With that, the power to grant citizenship would be transferred from the Federal Constitution to the home minister.
Some positive response
Maalini said positive responses received include from experienced former ministers and MPs who expressed awareness that the proposed amendments will not address the root causes of statelessness.
They also noted how any amendments to the Federal Constitution should be done to expand rights and not to remove rights, she added.
Taking to Facebook, child rights activist Hartini Zainudin today shared several photographs of MCRA representatives’ meetings with Hamzah, Muhyiddin, as well as Parit Sulong MP Noraini Ahmad.
Of their meetings so far, Maalini said at least one PKR MP had indicated that there are many backbenchers who are “unsupportive” of the amendment to remove automatic citizenship granted to foundlings into one to be approved by the home minister.
As for PN MPs, Maalini said she was informed the coalition is expected to discuss their position on the matter next week.
Briefing blitz
Throughout this week, Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail also separately briefed MPs from government and opposition parties on the proposed amendments.
“Thanks to Bersatu and PAS MPs for the support given to me and the ministry’s team.
“Hopefully the amendments on citizenship will receive the support of all MPs,” said Saifuddin in an Instagram post after the briefing on Tuesday.
Earlier today, Saifuddin also urged all MPs to discontinue using the phrase “denied the right to citizenship” when discussing issues on foundlings.
PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man has indicated to Malaysiakini that PN lawmakers were convinced that the amendments were necessary after being briefed by Saifuddin. - Mkini
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