Kuala lumpur: The government has approved a total of 1,980 citizenship applications for children born overseas to Malaysian mothers married to foreign nationals from 2024 to date. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail revealed this information while discussing the processing and approval of these applications under Article 15(2) of the Federal Constitution. This processing is ongoing while awaiting the effective date of a new constitutional amendment that will enable automatic citizenship grants.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Saifuddin Nasution explained that all applications from 2024 to 2025 have been processed and approved, with none rejected so far. Currently, around 100 new applications are being submitted monthly. However, these new applications have not yet been processed under the new amendment. The total number of cases processed under Article 15(2) for 2024 to 2025 stands at 1,980, as stated during a question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat.
Saifuddin Nasution responded to a query from Chiew Choon Man (PH-Miri) about the latest guidelines for children of Malaysian citizens born abroad, following the approval of the constitutional amendment earlier this year. He addressed concerns regarding whether these children need to reapply for citizenship and the current status of the applications.
He further noted that the amendment must undergo several processes before it can be enforced, requiring the King's consent for the effective date. One critical process is the review and refinement of the Citizenship Regulations 1964, which comprise 57 provisions.
The minister highlighted the need to update forms and systems, as future applications will be submitted online, and the current systems at Malaysian missions abroad are based on outdated formats. The updates to the Citizenship Regulations 1964 are expected to be completed around September or October this year. Saifuddin Nasution anticipates that enforcement of the new regulations will not extend beyond mid or late next year, subject to the King's consent.