“This would clearly define the standard operating procedures (SOPs) or terms of reference for granting citizenship to the people of Sabah and Sarawak,” Jeffrey Kitingan (GRS-Keningau) said when debating the amendments in the Dewan Rakyat today.

“The SOPs should also address the inconsistencies in MyKad issuance.”

The Sabah deputy chief minister’s suggestions come on the back of past abuses like the controversial “Project IC”, which allegedly gave MyKads to nearly 1.5 million undocumented migrants (PTIs) and altered Sabah’s demographics.

“The issuance of identity cards to PTIs in violation of the law was a finding of the royal commission of inquiry on foreign immigrants in Sabah.

“I urge the unity government to re-examine MyKads issued under questionable circumstances and take appropriate action against the holders of these MyKads,” he said.

The debate on the proposed citizenship law amendments is ongoing, with MPs expected to vote on the matter today.

The amendments have faced criticism, particularly from groups in Sabah and Sarawak, who argue that removing automatic citizenship for children of Malaysian permanent residents would exacerbate the statelessness issue and limit access to education, healthcare, and employment.

At a press conference yesterday, home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the citizenship rights of indigenous groups remain protected under Articles 160 and 161 of the Federal Constitution, provided proper documentation is in place.

During the debate, Kitingan said while the amendment allowing citizenship through either parent is progressive, other proposed changes, such as shifting from automatic citizenship by operation of law to a registration process, would undermine the rights of Sabahans and Sarawakians.

“Therefore, I suggest that this provision should not apply to Sabah and Sarawak, and these amendments should be referred back to their governments,” he said.