In a statement, the Malaysian Citizenship Rights Alliance (MCRA) said as citizens, it is essential for them to be fully informed in advance about any changes to the Bill.

“Any attempt to remove or restrict existing citizenship rights in the Federal Constitution will have far-reaching consequences.”

MCRA also wants the home minister to engage “honestly and meaningfully” with all stakeholders, prior to the tabling of any revisions to the proposed Bill.

It went on to express hope that the home ministry will ensure the amendment granting Malaysian mothers the right to confer citizenship to their overseas-born children is retroactively applied.

On July 18, home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said there were still some matters that need to be refined, in regards to the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2024 on citizenship laws, despite receiving “positive feedback” from the Conference of Rulers.

Saifuddin said they would work with the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) on the matter.

The Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2024, tabled for its first reading in the Dewan Rakyat on March 25, aims, among others, to lower the age limit to apply for citizenship by registration from the age of 21 to 18.