KUCHING, Aug 8: Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Dudong chairman Wong Ching Yong encourages Malaysian mothers affected by the recent Court of Appeal ruling overturning a High Court ruling allowing mothers to pass on their citizenship to overseas-born children not to give up.
Wong in a statement yesterday (Aug 7) said they should to appeal the matter to the Federal Court on merits.
“If mothers need the assistance of experienced lawyers in Kuala Lumpur, I am also happy to recommend them,” he said.
Meanwhile, Wong also expressed his disappointment with the High Court decision.
He noted that according to existing law, children born overseas to a Malaysian father are Malaysian citizens and automatically acquire Malaysian citizenship in accordance with Article 14 of the Federal Constitution.
However, the child born overseas to Malaysian women with foreign spouses will not be automatically granted citizenship, but must apply for citizenship under Article 15(2) of the Federal Constitution.
“Due to the cumbersome application process and no guarantee of approval, it has always been regarded by Malaysian political parties and civil society as the heartache of our country’s human rights,” he added.
Wong asserted Parliament should consider amending the Federal Constitution to change the original term of “father” to “either parent” or “mother or father” or “both mother and father”.
“This would enable children born overseas to inherit Malaysian citizenship identity, which will dispel suspicions that the Malaysian government discriminates against women,” he said. — DayakDaily
