In a statement, it said further delays would continue to burden Malaysian mothers abroad.

“Until then (the enforcement of the amendment), Malaysian mothers living abroad will continue to face the burdensome and costly journey of returning to Malaysia to secure citizenship for their overseas-born children.

“It is time to ease their hardship and uphold the principles of equality and fairness for all Malaysian families,” it said.

It also urged the home ministry to expedite pending citizenship applications for families whom it said had been waiting for far too long.

“Family Frontiers remains committed to working closely with the government to ensure that no adult child of a Malaysian mother is left behind, including those whose mothers are no longer with us,” it said.

The NGO’s statement comes after an appeal by Family Frontiers and six Malaysian mothers over the citizenship of their children born overseas was settled without contest before the Federal Court.

Lawyer Gurdial Singh Nijar, appearing for the appellants, informed a five-member bench that the parties had agreed to maintain the decision handed down by the High Court in Kuala Lumpur four years ago.

In its statement, Family Frontiers said today’s outcome reflected the perseverance and collective advocacy of Malaysian mothers fighting for citizenship rights.

It also welcomed the policy reforms by the home ministry which had led to faster processing and higher approval rates for citizenship applications.

“This progress has brought immense hope and relief to many Malaysian parents and their children while moving Malaysia closer to achieving true equality,” it said.