The office of the children’s commissioner (OCC) of Malaysia’ human rights commission, Suhakam, welcomes the announcement by Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail that children born overseas to Malaysian mothers will automatically obtain Malaysian citizenship by June or July 2026.
This announcement follows the passage of the Federal Constitution (Amendment) Bill on citizenship provisions in October 2024 and marks a significant step forward in addressing longstanding inequalities affecting children’s right to nationality.
While welcoming this development, it is disheartening that the amendment is non-retrospective. In view of this, children born before the implementation date must continue to be accorded Malaysian citizenship through registration under Article 15(2) of the Federal Constitution. No child should be disadvantaged due to delays in the law’s implementation.
The OCC also notes with appreciation the substantial reduction in the backlog of citizenship applications, from about 50,000 cases to fewer than 4,000 since the start of the home minister’s term in 2022, including cases raised by the OCC. This reflects meaningful progress in administrative reform.
The OCC further notes that the amended Citizenship Regulations 1964 are expected to be rolled out in tandem with the implementation of the constitutional amendment.
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In this regard, the OCC urges that the amended regulations be made publicly accessible, procedures simplified, and clear standard operating procedures established to ensure applicants have access to track the progress of their applications and receive written reasons for any rejection.
To ensure effective implementation, the OCC calls for a clear public communication strategy, including nationwide outreach, as well as comprehensive training for frontline officers, particularly at Malaysian embassies and diplomatic missions abroad.
The OCC remains committed to working with the government to ensure that no child is left without nationality, in accordance with the Federal Constitution and Malaysia’s international human rights obligations.
Dr Farah Nini Dusuki is chief children’s commissioner of Suhakam.
AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
