Suhakam said the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2024, set for debate in the Dewan Rakyat at the present meeting, should be reviewed by two committees: human rights, election and institutional reform; and women, children and community development.
“The bill, in its current form, continues to raise significant concern among stakeholders and civil society organisations, who have voiced worry over its potential impact.
“The voices of the people cannot and should not be sidelined in the legislative process,” it said in a statement today.
Suhakam said the government should remember its duty to uphold democratic principles and ensure that laws reflect the public interest.
“A referral to the PSSC will provide the necessary platform for further scrutiny, allowing for comprehensive feedback from all relevant sectors of society,” it said, adding that Suhakam is prepared to assist in the review process.
Tabled for its first reading in the Dewan Rakyat on March 25, the bill will enable citizenship to be granted to overseas-born children of Malaysian women and lower the age limit to apply for citizenship by registration from 21 to 18.
In July, home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said there were still some matters that needed to be refined despite receiving positive feedback from the Conference of Rulers.
However, the bill continues to receive criticism from various quarters, especially those from Sabah and Sarawak, who say the amendments could worsen matters for stateless people.
While acknowledging that some consensus has been reached in consultations with the home ministry, Suhakam said it maintains its opposition to the proposed amendment that would remove automatic citizenship for children of permanent residents.
“We strongly urge the application of retrospective effect for children born overseas of Malaysian mothers and non-Malaysian fathers after September 2001 as stated in our previous statement,” it said.
“Suhakam stands ready to provide any necessary assistance to ensure that the review process is inclusive, robust, and reflective of the voices of all Malaysians.”