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The long-awaited implementation of automatic citizenship for children born overseas to Malaysian mothers is currently in progress and expected to take effect by mid-next year
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said preparations are underway, including the development of new registration forms, system updates, and notification to all Malaysian diplomatic missions worldwide.
He added that the Attorney General's Chambers is also in the final stages of reviewing amendments to relevant Acts, regulations, and procedures.
"The review will also involve changes to the Nationality Regulations 1964 and the Births and Deaths Registration Act 1957," he told Bernama.
The Dewan Rakyat made history when it passed the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2024 with a two-thirds majority on 17 October last year, introducing reforms aimed at strengthening justice, equality, and transparency in citizenship matters.
The amendment, among other changes, ensures that children born abroad to Malaysian mothers married to foreigners will automatically receive Malaysian citizenship — a right previously limited to Malaysian fathers
Saifuddin said the amendment represents a major step forward in ensuring fairness for Malaysian women.
He also emphasised that this effort aligns with the government's commitment to clearing a backlog of citizenship applications, which once exceeded 50,000 cases.
Now, only around 6,000 remain under review.
"While the remaining number is small, the impact on the lives of citizens is significant. This accomplishment gives me great satisfaction because we know we are doing the right thing," he said.
