Automatic citizenship for children born overseas to Malaysian mothers to start by mid-2026
He said that finalising the Citizenship Rules 1964 is necessary for enforcing this amendment, with updates expected by September or October this year.
'Following the constitutional amendment, children born outside the country to Malaysian mothers married to foreign nationals will automatically acquire citizenship once the amendment is enforced by law," he said during question time on Monday (Aug 4).
He added that the enforcement is awaiting necessary processes.
This includes the Royal Assent from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. However, Saifuddin said mothers can currently apply for their children's citizenship under Article 15(2) of the Federal Constitution.
He was responding to a question by Chiew Choon Man (Pakatan-Miri), who asked about the latest guidelines for children of Malaysian citizens born abroad.
Saifuddin said that from 2024 to 2025, his ministry has approved 1,980 applications under the existing provisions, with an average of 100 new applications received per month.
Regarding necessary updates to the Citizenship Rules 1964, Saifuddin said the government needs to refine 57 clauses and update application forms for online submissions.
He said this in response to a supplementary question by Chiew, who asked for the latest updates on the rules.
Saifuddin said that the government projects the enforcement of the amendment should not extend beyond the end of next year, pending the Royal Assent.
'The system used by Malaysian Representative Offices abroad still utilises old forms and formats.
'Therefore, this process must be conducted carefully. We anticipate that the amendments and updates to the Citizenship Rules 1964 can be completed around September or October this year,' he added.
In response to a question from Datuk Mumtaz Md Nawi (Perikatan-Tumpat) regarding the challenges posed by immigration and potential misuse of citizenship laws, as well as the need for DNA as proof, Saifuddin emphasised that the fundamental requirements for citizenship remain unchanged.
He clarified that DNA tests are supportive rather than mandatory.
'As I mentioned, until we enforce it through the consent order of His Majesty the King, we can implement it by operation of law.
'Regarding DNA, the practice we use now is that it is merely a supporting element. It does not constitute an absolute requirement,' he said.
The law to allow children born abroad to Malaysian mothers with foreign spouses to be granted automatic citizenship was passed in the Dewan Rakyat last October.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
26 minutes ago
- New Straits Times
Pengkalan Chepa MP suspended two days from Dewan Rakyat
KUALA LUMPUR: Pengkalan Chepa member of parliament Datuk Dr Ahmad Marzuk Shaary has been ordered to "take a break" from the Dewan Rakyat for two days after repeatedly pressing the religious affairs minister on the Tabung Haji (TH) rebranding issue. Deputy Speaker Alice Lau initially directed him to take a 30-minute break after he continued to pressure Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar over the awarding of the Tabung Haji rebranding contract to a non-Muslim company. In his winding-up speech on the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), Na'im said the appointment of the consortium went through a stringent process, before being referred to the procurement committee and later approved by the board of directors. "Since 1963, TH has undergone three rebranding exercises - in 1969, 1995 and 2009. "TH has always adhered to the highest standards of corporate governance and procurement policies. "The appointed consortium comprises four local companies, chosen based on expertise and capabilities in line with the requirements of this rebranding exercise. "The consortium includes professionals from diverse backgrounds. The selection was made in compliance with TH's procurement governance, overseen by its board of directors. TH continues to prioritise Bumiputera companies under its procurement policy. "In 2024, 81 per cent of TH's appointed vendors were Bumiputera companies, accounting for 70 per cent of TH's overall expenditure. TH confirms that the consultancy fee is RM5.9 million over three years, and not RM20 million as alleged," he said. He said the interests of depositors remain paramount, which is why TH's top management carefully evaluated the companies involved to ensure the best outcome for the rebranding exercise. When pressed by Marzuk on why a non-Muslim company was selected, Naim said that such appointments had also occurred under previous administrations, including when Marzuk himself was in government. Marzuk repeatedly attempted to interrupt, but Lau ordered him to sit down and allow Naim to continue. Although she instructed him to take a break, Marzuk persisted, prompting Lau to suspend him for two days. "Earlier, I said 30 minutes, but the honourable member continued speaking without permission. Would you prefer two days instead? Very well, two days," she said. Last Thursday, during the 13MP debate, Marzuk had questioned the alleged RM20 million rebranding cost and claimed that three non-Muslim firms were involved in the project. Yesterday, Lembaga Tabung Haji refuted the allegation, describing it as slander, and stressed that the actual budget for the brand rejuvenation exercise was RM2 million per year over three years.
Malaysiakini
26 minutes ago
- Malaysiakini
TH 'rebranding' contract: PAS MP suspended after heated exchange
PARLIAMENT | Dewan Rakyat deputy speaker Alice Lau today suspended Ahmad Marzuk Shaary (PN-Pengkalan Chepa) for two days. This was after the PAS lawmaker sparked a heated exchange with Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Na'im Mokhtar. Na'im was winding-up the 13th Malaysia Plan debates when Marzuk interjected, accusing the minister of...
Barnama
an hour ago
- Barnama
Improper Jalur Gemilang Displays To Be Probed Responsibly
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 18 (Bernama) -- Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail stressed that police will investigate any offence involving the improper display of the Jalur Gemilang, professionally and responsibly. He said that if investigations reveal malicious intent, appropriate legal action will be taken against those involved, including under the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act 1963, or the Minor Offences Act 1955 (Act 336). 'If there is an offence, a police report should be lodged and an investigation will follow. If it is proven to be done with malicious intent, charges will be brought. However, if the matter is blown out of proportion to the point of creating unrest, that would not be healthy in the current climate of our country. 'When there is a clear violation of the law, trust that the police will carry out their duties responsibly, to ensure that the nation remains peaceful and secure,' he said, during a ministers' briefing session at the Dewan Rakyat, today. Saifuddin Nasution also urged all parties, including the public, political leaders and civil society, to play their role in safeguarding national peace and harmony. On the issue of national security threats, Saifuddin said the country's enforcement and defence agencies continue to step up security measures, as Malaysia remains a target for infiltration, including by Mossad and Israeli agents. He added that swift action by the authorities has led to the arrest of individuals and groups, including locals, suspected of being involved in terrorism-related activities. '…we have arrested local citizens, students, civil servants and other individuals. Some have been brought to court, some are still on trial, others are under remand. A few months ago, we also uncovered and detained more terrorist cells, including foreigners from Bangladesh. 'National security threats remain present around us. Extremist ideologies such as militancy, terrorism and radical movements still exist, and infiltration by foreign agents continues. I am stating this based on facts,' he said.
