5. Ensure that all children, including those who are stateless or at risk of statelessness,
are granted citizenship without discrimination, arbitrariness or delay.
We truly commend the efforts of all impacted people and civil society organisations in
Malaysia, including our partner organisations Family Frontiers and Development of Human
Resources for Rural Areas (“DHRRA”), for tirelessly working to protect against the
perpetuation of statelessness and to advance gender equal nationality rights, and for
navigating a complex and challenging advocacy landscape in solidarity with each other. We
acknowledge the importance of celebrating the progress in this historic milestone for gender
equal nationality rights, and equally, the importance of acknowledging the setbacks this has
placed on the stateless communities of Malaysia.
We stand inspired and in awe of them, and their decades-long efforts to fight for the protection
of stateless people and for the equal application of nationality laws, free from gender
discrimination. We thank them for their efforts in working together in solidarity and encourage
them to continue their efforts. We pledge our commitment in supporting them throughout, and
particularly as they navigate the aftermath of these amendments.
***
Co-issued by:
1. Global Movement Against Statelessness
2. Institute on Statelessness and Inclusion
3. Nationality For All
4. Statelessness and Dignified Citizenship Coalition – Asia Pacific
ANNEX
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE AMENDMENTS
1. EQUAL RIGHT OF MALAYSIAN WOMEN TO CONFER AUTOMATIC CITIZENSHIP
ON CHILDREN BORN OVERSEAS
Malaysia has been one of only four countries in Asia, and 24 countries globally that
deny women the right to pass their nationality to their children, on an equal basis as
men. The amendment to recognise Malaysian women’s equal rights as Malaysian men
to confer automatic citizenship on children born overseas is long overdue and we
commend Malaysia on this progress.
Despite progress, this amendment falls short of the full notion of equality as it does not
apply retroactively, meaning that children born prior to the law coming into force cannot
benefit from automatic citizenship. Malaysia falls behind countries such as Iran, Egypt,