KUALA LUMPUR: Project Stability and Accountability for Malaysia (Projek Sama) has called for a review of three proposed amendments to citizenship laws by a Parliamentary Special Select Committee (PSSC).

In a statement, the reforms non-governmental organisation said while the amendments are commendable, they have no broad consensus. Instead, there are strong objections against the remaining three regressive amendments proposed by the government.

The proposed amendments include Section 1(a) Part II of the Second Schedule, Article 26(2) with Article 15(1), and Articles 15A and 19(2), which are believed to impact stateless children and undocumented Malaysians.

"The first two regressive amendments may render children stateless, depriving them of access to healthcare, education, and social welfare and exposing them to exploitation. The third regressive amendment threatens to separate mothers from their children.

"Hence, the objections against these three amendments are well-grounded: all children are blessings, and the family institution is highly treasured, whether in Islam or other religious beliefs practised in Malaysia.

"Therefore, any attempt to table these regressive amendments on Monday would be questionable," the statement read.

The group suggested that the Home Minister present a Green Paper to gather public feedback or a White Paper to justify the Government's position before bringing these amendments to parliament.

"If the bill is rushed through the legislative stages, members of parliament will have very little time to debate the bill entirely.

"This would limit their opportunity to consult experts and stakeholders on the technical aspects of the bill and propose amendments."

They also asked members of parliament to critically examine the bill and thoroughly study the consequences of the amendments before passing it.

"It is a grave matter and the highest responsibility to change the nation's constitution, let alone to remove constitutionally guaranteed rights.

"It should not be rushed and should not be done for political expediency or administrative convenience.

"When it comes to the constitution, a member of parliament's vote should be guided by their oath, not by fear of contravening their party constitution.

"If the government's amendments are justified, proportionate, and necessary, it should not fear subjecting them to PSSC scrutiny."

Previously, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail announced that the government agreed to drop two proposed amendments to the Federal Constitution pertaining to the citizenship of foundlings.

He said the decision to drop the two proposed amendments was made after taking into consideration all inputs as well as after an intensive engagement session with all stakeholders.

The two proposed amendments that will be dropped are 19B Part III of the Second Schedule and Section 1(e) Part II of Second Schedule of the Federal Constitution.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/03/1029788/proposed-citizenship-law-amendments-need-broad-consensus-says-reforms