From Malay Mail · · 1m 30s
Malaysian mothers face citizenship delays
Malaysian mothers must choose between risky childbirth in Malaysia or long citizenship waits abroad due to unenforced constitutional reforms.
In brief
Malaysian mothers must choose between risky childbirth in Malaysia or long citizenship waits abroad due to unenforced constitutional reforms. Malaysian mothers face citizenship delays as constitutional amendments remain unenforced, risking statelessness for children born abroad. Originally reported by Malay Mail.
Constitution amendment bill passes
The Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2024 passed both houses of Parliament by December 2024 and received Royal Assent on March 7, 2025.
Implementation date unannounced
The amendments remain unenforced with no official implementation date announced.
Malaysian women overseas face challenges
Malaysian women overseas continue facing citizenship issues including childbirth complications and statelessness risks.
Pregnant woman's dilemma
Melissa (pseudonym) must choose between high-risk childbirth in malaysia or lengthy citizenship applications abroad.
Family citizenship barriers
Non-malaysian husbands cannot pass citizenship to children born abroad without legal reforms.
Tiana's family uncertainty
Tiana worries about returning to malaysia for childbirth due to citizenship barriers for her child.
Civil society support
Civil society groups acknowledge progress in processing citizenship applications but demand timely implementation.
Stateless children risk
Every passing day creates another child at risk of statelessness due to unenforced law.
Joint action group endorses
Joint Action Group for Gender Equality (JAG) endorses 13 organizations and 70 individuals for reform.
Call for implementation
The law must be implemented to prevent stateless children and ensure equal citizenship rights.
Executive responsibility
The executive branch must enforce the law to prevent stateless newborns and administrative delays.
What to remember
Malaysian mothers face citizenship delays as constitutional amendments remain unenforced, risking statelessness for children born abroad.
