KUALA LUMPUR – The path to gaining Malaysian citizenship for foundlings remains open, as long as their details are registered as soon as they are found, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
He added that once these babies are found, those who are helping to apply for their citizenship must get the relevant documents from police, hospitals and the Social Welfare Department.
“This is to avoid registration of birth certificates via syndicates as the child upon reaching the age of 12 will not be able to obtain a MyKad. This is because the child’s details are not with the National Registration Department,” he told reporters after an event at Maktab PDRM in Cheras, here today.
He added that his ministry will resolve the rest of the 14,000 citizenship applications before the end of the year.
“Of which, 11,700 applicants are categorised as adopted children, as well as foundlings, and illegitimate children who have been abandoned at government hospitals. Majority (85%) are applications related to adoptions.
“Previously, they had to wait five to seven years. Now the waiting time is one year. Our commitment is for applicants to get answers in a year.”
On criticism over the government’s proposed amendments to the citizenship provisions of the Federal Constitution, Saifuddin has refuted claims that it would close the door on stateless children, foundlings, those born out of wedlock.
The event was also attended by Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil and Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain.
Last week, The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) voiced its concerns particularly on the five proposed amendments that could affect children born out of wedlock, stateless children adopted by Malaysian parents, and foundlings.
“Our concerns revolve around the fact that such significant issues of citizenship provisions and rights must be enshrined in the constitution and not left to the discretion of the minister.
“The proposed amendment to Section 19B Part III of the Second Schedule, requiring any person to register foundlings within one year, is regressive for the innocent child as it deprives them of citizenship due to parental or other third-party neglect.
“These proposed oppressive and regressive amendments would then create generational issues of statelessness, further burdening the state with individuals who are unable to fend for themselves and contribute to the nation,” it said in a statement. – March 11, 2024