How many stateless persons are affected by the proposed citizenship changes?

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The Proposed Citizenship Amendment Could Impact Tens of Thousands of Stateless Individuals

The proposed amendment to the Federal Constitution concerning citizenship status has raised concerns that it could negatively affect tens of thousands of Malaysian-born individuals, particularly indigenous people in Sabah and Sarawak. This change may strip them of a vital legal protection—their right to a fair process for claiming citizenship. The specifics of the amendment and the exact number of individuals impacted remain unclear, prompting calls for greater clarification from the Home Ministry.
Concerns for Stateless Indigenous Populations

The proposed Federal Constitution amendment on citizenship is anticipated to have an adverse impact on the indigenous communities of Sabah and Sarawak who currently hold stateless status or possess MyPR (Permanent Resident) status instead of MyKad (Malaysian Identity Card). This situation could leave many individuals without the necessary legal recourse to establish their Malaysian citizenship. The CSO Platform for Reform's Sabah and Sarawak Chapters have been vocal in highlighting these potential negative consequences.
Significant Stateless Population in Sabah

Official records indicate a substantial stateless population in Sabah. According to the National Registration Department's data from 2020, there were 23,154 stateless individuals under the age of 21 in Sabah who have at least one Malaysian citizen parent. This figure, noted by the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA), suggests a considerable number of young people are in a precarious citizenship status. The 2020 census further revealed that Sabah had 810,000 non-citizens out of a total population of 3.39 million, a broad category that includes stateless persons and migrants.
Call for Transparency on Proposed Amendments

There is a pressing need for the Home Ministry, and specifically Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, to present the details of the proposed constitutional amendments and engage in public consultation. The MCA has urged for swift clarification to avoid the perception of the ministry pushing through amendments without adequate public and stakeholder input. The party also expressed concern that the proposed changes could displace native East Malaysians and dilute their rights, contradicting the Pakatan Harapan coalition's past commitments to uphold the Malaysia Agreement 1963.

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How many stateless persons are affected by the proposed citizenship changes?

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