“With this decision, we can now move on to the next step in Parliament,” he told reporters here today.
However, he said, Sections 14(1)(b), 19B and 14(1)(e) would “remain the same”, but did not elaborate
The amendments to the constitution aim to tighten citizenship criteria while considering security and humanitarian aspects.
The proposed changes include seven amendments, three new provisions and three repeals addressing national security and sovereignty.
Yesterday, deputy law and institutional reform minister M Kula Segaran said the second and third readings of the citizenship bill, along with three others, have been postponed again to the next Dewan Rakyat meeting in October.
In March, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Section 14(1)(b) would be amended to replace the word “father” with “parents” or “mother” or “father” after the draft was presented to the Conference of Rulers.
Under Section 19B, Part III of the Second Schedule, foundlings are given automatic citizenship by operation of law, as provided for under an evidentiary provision that gives them the benefit of doubt as to the date and place of their birth, given that the status of their biological parents are unknown and unable to be proven.
Under Section 14(1)(e), Part II of the Second Schedule, similar protection under operation of law is afforded to vulnerable and affected people, such as children born out of wedlock, adopted and abandoned stateless children, and indigenous communities.
Previously, the proposal was initially to change the status of individuals under Sections 19B and 14(1)(e) to citizens by registration. However, the home ministry decided to abandon the proposal after considering opinions from meetings with MPs, party representatives, legal experts, state agency representatives, and the chief whips of all parties.
Reciting ‘Qunut Nazilah’ an example of ‘extreme political practice’
Commenting on Jasin MP Zulkifli Ismail’s recitation of the “Qunut Nazilah” supplication upon the suspension of Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal, Saifuddin called it an example of “extreme political practice”.
He said the supplication was historically recited only in dire circumstances, such as the murder of the Prophet Muhammad’s family, and during situations of oppression like the ongoing conflict in Gaza, and not for political disputes.
“I want to remind everyone that using Qunut Nazilah to pray for the destruction of political opponents among Muslims in Malaysia is extreme and goes against true Islamic principles,” he said.
Criticism of Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) (Amendment) Bill 2024
Saifuddin also addressed criticism of the Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) (Amendment) Bill 2024, which allows the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) rehabilitation officers to perform verification tests, a role previously reserved for medical officers.
“The rehabilitation officer’s verification allows placing a client in AADK for treatment and rehabilitation. If within two weeks there are signs that require medical officers, then they can (intervene),” he said.