Do proposed citizenship amendments violate Malaysia Agreement 1963?

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Proposed Citizenship Amendments Could Contravene Malaysia Agreement 1963 Safeguards

The Sabah and Sarawak Chapters of the CSO Platform for Reform have expressed significant concern that proposed amendments to the Federal Constitution regarding citizenship could violate the spirit and specific provisions of the Malaysia Agreement 1963. These amendments are feared to negatively impact Indigenous Peoples in Sabah and Sarawak who remain stateless or hold permanent resident status (MyPR) instead of national identification cards (MyKad). The CSO Platform highlights that the safeguards on citizenship were a crucial element of the 1963 agreement, intended to prevent statelessness for individuals born in Malaysia, a principle echoed by the first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman, during parliamentary debates in 1962.
Impact on Indigenous Communities and Statelessness

The proposed amendments are seen as potentially exacerbating the existing issue of statelessness, which disproportionately affects Malaysia-born native rural communities. Specific indigenous groups, such as the Penan people of Sarawak and the Lundayeh of Sabah, are cited as examples of communities struggling to obtain government recognition and facing significant barriers to accessing basic infrastructure, education, and documentation. These challenges can inadvertently lead to statelessness, rendering individuals "invisible" and potentially creating generational problems due to bureaucratic hurdles.
Contradiction with Malaysia Agreement 1963 Intentions

CSO Platform for Reform argues that the proposed changes are fundamentally at odds with the Malaysia Agreement 1963. This agreement explicitly included safeguards for citizenship to ensure that individuals born within Malaysia would not be rendered stateless. This commitment was a cornerstone of the federation's formation, and its dilution through these amendments is viewed as a betrayal of the foundational promises made to Sabah and Sarawak.
Call for Transparency and Consultation

In light of these concerns, the CSO Platform for Reform is urgently calling on the government to provide accurate, transparent, and accountable statistics on statelessness before proceeding with public narratives or amendments. They advocate for inclusive consultation sessions with stateless Indigenous Peoples and engagement with civil society organisations actively working with these communities. The organisation positions itself as a potential strategic partner to help resolve statelessness and ensure that no one in Sabah and Sarawak is left behind, upholding the promises made during the formation of Malaysia.

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Do proposed citizenship amendments violate Malaysia Agreement 1963?

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