Latest news with #CitizenshipRules1964
The Star
04-08-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Citizenship equality by 2026
Current method: Saifuddin said that for 2024 and 2025 so far, his ministry has approved 1,980 applications under the existing citizenship provisions. — Bernama Govt finalising law for kids born overseas to M'sian mums THE implementation of the constitutional amendment granting automatic citizenship to children born overseas to Malaysian mothers married to foreign nationals is expected to take effect by mid-2026, says Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. He said the finalisation of the Citizenship Rules 1964 is a prerequisite for the enforcement of this amendment, for which updates would be made 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 yesterday, adding that the enforcement of the law is awaiting necessary processes. This includes the Royal Assent from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. However, Saifuddin Nasution said that 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 (PH-Miri) who had asked the ministry to state the latest guidelines for children of Malaysian citizens born abroad. Saifuddin Nasution said that for 2024 and 2025 so far, his ministry has approved 1,980 applications under the existing provisions, and that they receive an average of 100 new applications per month. On the necessary updates to the Citizenship Rules 1964, he said the government would need to refine 57 clauses and update application forms for online submissions. 'The system used by Malaysian Representative Offices abroad still uses old forms and formats. 'Therefore, this process must be carried out 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 (PN-Tumpat) regarding the challenges posed by immigration and potential misuse of citizenship laws, as well as the need for DNA as proof, Saifuddin Nasution emphasised that the fundamental requirements for citizenship remain unchanged. He added that DNA tests remain a supportive element rather than a mandatory requirement. '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.
The Star
04-08-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Automatic citizenship for children born overseas to Malaysian mothers to start by mid-2026
KUALA LUMPUR: The Constitutional amendment granting automatic citizenship to children born overseas to Malaysian mothers married to foreign nationals is expected to take effect by mid-2026, says Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. 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.
New Straits Times
25-06-2025
- New Straits Times
NRD takes action over claims on illegitimate MyKad ownership
KOTA KINABALU: The National Registration Department (NRD) has taken necessary actions following viral claims of non-citizens obtaining Malaysian identity cards (MyKad) in Sabah. "In the case of Mohd Izaz Abit, legal action was initiated after investigations found that he had used another person's birth certificate to apply for a MyKad. "The identity card was subsequently confiscated following confessions from the individual and the person who facilitated the application," according to a statement. NRD was responding to allegations, including claims that their offices in Sabah are frequently crowded with foreigners applying for identity cards. Several images of MyKad, supposedly linked to these individuals, have also been widely circulated on social media. The department also said it had reviewed the authenticity of three MyKad numbers mentioned in the viral claims. "It is confirmed that the individuals concerned are legitimate Malaysian citizens under Article 14 of the Federal Constitution." The department explained that the process for granting Malaysian citizenship is stringent and guided by the Federal Constitution, the Citizenship Rules 1964 and other applicable laws, including those governing marriage registration, adoption, legitimacy of children, and immigration. "The responsibility of proving eligibility lies entirely with the applicant. "By meeting the requirements only qualifies the application to be submitted; it does not guarantee approval."
New Straits Times
05-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Home Ministry resolves over half of 12,101 MyKad applications from students so far
PORT DICKSON: The Home Ministry has resolved the issue of identification documents for 6,903 of the 12,101 students in mainstream education nationwide. Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the ministry always collaborated with the Education Ministry and the National Registration Department regarding the matter and expects to resolve the remaining issues by June. "Our policy is clear, we will make it easier for them to obtain identification documents. "They were born here and sometimes, they are children in care centres, adopted children and so on. "Regardless of their status, the ministry's commitment is to assist them in line with the spirit of Malaysia Madani. "We need to emphasise the ministry's commitment to helping them after they have completed all vetting processes. "They have been waiting a long time (to obtain identity cards) due to various constraints," he told reporters after presenting an identity card (MyKad) to Nurul Arini Abdullah, 18, here today. Meanwhile, Saifuddin Nasution said that of the 12,101 cases, Sabah had the highest number of applications for identity cards involving 6,997 students, while Perlis had the lowest with 50 applications. He said the ministry is always committed to resolving citizenship issues, including plans to amend the Citizenship Rules 1964 soon to improve related matters. He was previously reported to have given an assurance that the ministry would resolve the issue of identification documents involving students in the country within six to 12 months, in collaboration with the relevant agencies. Apart from handing over the MyKad to Nurul Arini, who is also an outstanding student who obtained 9As in the 2024 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination, Saifuddin Nasution also presented her with a laptop, a printer and free wifi facilities for two years at her home. "I received Nurul Arini's application last December and the ministry's secretary-general vetted and approved it in January. Nurul Arini, when met after the event, said she was grateful to finally get her MyKad, having failed on several occasions since she was 12. "I am an adopted child to my mother, Nuruni Basir, 61, and recently I applied for the medical field on UPUonline, but my application was rejected because I did not fulfil the criteria, including not being a citizen. "Now that I have received my identity card, I will reapply for the course, which I am interested in. "It is difficult not having an identity card... the cost of studying and other expenses are also high," said the youngest of two siblings, who aspires to become a doctor.
Barnama
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
KDN Resolves More Than Half Of 12,101 ID Applications From Students So Far
PORT DICKSON, May 5 (Bernama) -- The Home Ministry (KDN) has resolved the issue of identification documents for 6,903 of the 12,101 students in mainstream education nationwide, thus far. Its Minister, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the ministry always collaborated with the Ministry of Education (MOH) and the National Registration Department regarding the matter and expects to resolve the remaining issues by June. "Our policy is clear, we will make it easier for them to obtain identification documents. They were born here and sometimes, they are children in care centres, adopted children and so on. Regardless of their status, the ministry's commitment is to assist them in line with the spirit of Malaysia MADANI,' he said. "We need to emphasise the ministry's commitment to helping them after they have completed all vetting processes… They have been waiting a long time (to obtain identity cards) due to various constraints,' he told reporters after presenting an identity card (MyKad) to Nurul Arini Abdullah, 18, here today. Meanwhile, Saifuddin Nasution said that of the 12,101 cases, Sabah had the highest number of applications for identity cards involving 6,997 students, while Perlis had the lowest with 50 applications. He said the ministry is always committed to resolving citizenship issues, including plans to amend the Citizenship Rules 1964 soon to improve related matters. He was previously reported to have given an assurance that the ministry would resolve the issue of identification documents involving students in the country within six to 12 months, in collaboration with the MOH and relevant agencies. Earlier, apart from handing over the MyKad to Nurul Arini, who is also an outstanding student who obtained 9As in the 2024 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination, Saifuddin Nasution also presented her with a laptop, a printer and free wifi facilities for two years at her home. "I received Nurul Arini's application last December and the ministry's secretary-general vetted and approved it in January. This case is an eye-opener for the ministry. We always collaborate with the MOH to address issues of students intending to further their studies but do not have the complete documentation,' he said.
