COMMENT | Regressive changes will exacerbate statelessness

COMMENT | The Joint Action Group for Gender Equality (JAG) welcomes the Madani government’s efforts to address the issue of whether overseas-born children of Malaysian mothers should be entitled to citizenship by operation of law.

They plan to do so by making amendments to Section 1(b) and (c) of the Federal Constitution which will give meaning to the 2001 amendment to Article 8(2) which includes the term "gender" as a basis for non-discrimination, and this will align with Malaysia's international commitments.

JAG would like to reiterate that this amendment is urgent as it would alleviate the hardship and struggles of Malaysian mothers and their children.

It would provide children equal access to fundamental rights, prevent forced family separation, and ensure stability for Malaysian mothers, particularly single mothers, and those in toxic marriages. Most importantly, it will provide Malaysian women with the protection and safeguards they need.

The amendment must address the rights of Malaysian women, rectify any gender disparities, and ensure that Malaysian women enjoy the same rights and privileges as Malaysian men, particularly given the historical context of this issue spanning over 60 years.

Thus far, the home minister has been...