A GROUP of Malaysian mothers protested against the delay in approving citizenship for their overseas-born children at the National Registration Department (NRD) in Putrajaya today.

The Association of Family Support & Welfare, Selangor & KL (Family Frontiers) led the protest, which follows a High Court ruling that both Malaysian men and women have equal rights to pass on their citizenship to their children.

Family Frontiers lead coordinator Bina Ramanand questioned the delay despite the court ruling.

“The court order clearly states that (Malaysian) mothers should follow the same process (followed) by fathers in a similar situation.

“Many have submitted their documents since December 31 last year. So we are wondering why the documents are taking so long to process.

“These mothers came to check the status (of their applications) today and were told to wait for (another) six months.”

In September last year, the High Court ruled that Malaysian women married to foreigners have the same right as Malaysian men married to foreigners in automatically passing on their citizenship to their overseas-born children.

Putrajaya is currently appealing the decision.

Following the ruling, some mothers have seen their citizenship applications for their overseas-born children approved – but not all.

Family Frontiers said: “It is disappointing that other affected mothers who also submitted their documents have yet to receive their children’s citizenship documents.”

“The Home Ministry still does not have in place a clear and consistent procedure to process these documents among NRD branches and Malaysian Missions overseas.”

It added that children born abroad to Malaysian fathers, however, can easily register for citizenship.

“It is incumbent on the government to protect its citizens and ensure their welfare is prioritised.

“The delay in the issuance of citizenship documents places Malaysian women and their children in situations of uncertainty, harm and even violence.

“This prolonged agony continues to force women to remain in toxic marriages and deny children equal access to public education and affordable healthcare.

“Putrajaya should keep up with its international pledges to uphold women’s rights and children’s best interests.” – June 10, 2022.