Datuk Sebastian Ting welcomes the good news of the 6 Malaysian citizens born overseas

suppadmin | March 10, 2025

Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Secretary-General Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew welcomed the settlement between the federal government, Family Frontiers, and six Malaysian mothers, which allows them to apply for Malaysian citizenship for their overseas-born children.

In a press statement issued, Ting said this s a longstanding advocate for citizenship rights and had hope that this resolution will lead to a swift and fair outcome for other stateless children facing similar challenges.

Under the terms of the settlement, children under 18 who were born overseas to a Malaysian mother and a non-citizen father before the enforcement of the Constitutional (Amendment) Act 2024 may apply for Malaysian citizenship under Article 15(2) of the Federal Constitution.

One of the key provisions states that these children will be registered as Malaysian citizens if they meet the criteria outlined in Article 26(1), follow the application procedures under Article 15(2), and submit the necessary supporting documents as required by the Constitutional (Amendment) Act 2024. Additionally, the settlement confirms that the citizenship status and documents issued to the children of the appellants during the legal proceedings remain valid, subject to compliance with the relevant provisions of the Constitutional (Amendment) Act 2024.

The Constitutional (Amendment) Act 2024, passed by Dewan Rakyat last year, grants both parents the right to confer Malaysian citizenship to their overseas-born children. However, the law does not apply retrospectively.

Ting, who also serves as Sarawak’s Deputy Minister of Tourism, expressed his relief and appreciation for the settlement, noting that he has been closely following the case for years.

The legal battle began when Family Frontiers and six Malaysian mothers, married to foreigners, filed an originating summons in the High Court seeking Malaysian citizenship for their children. In September 2021, the High Court ruled in their favor, affirming that their overseas-born children were entitled to Malaysian citizenship.

However, in August 2022, the Court of Appeal overturned the ruling in a 2-1 decision. In December 2022, the Federal Court granted leave for Family Frontiers to appeal the decision. After years of legal battles, the federal government has now agreed to a settlement, allowing these Malaysian mothers’ children to apply for citizenship.

Throughout his political career, Ting has encountered countless citizenship applications and has personally witnessed the hardships faced by stateless families. Many endure bureaucratic delays, uncertainty, and restricted access to essential services such as healthcare and education.

Since 2004, he has successfully assisted over 50 individuals, including many young children, in obtaining Malaysian citizenship. Once granted, they were able to live with certainty and enjoy their full rights as Malaysians.

He urged the federal government to take citizenship issues in Malaysia, especially in Sarawak, seriously.

When reviewing applications, he stressed that authorities should consider the hardships faced by applicants, expedite the approval process, and avoid subjecting families to lengthy waiting periods. He also highlighted the burden placed on children and parents due to complex application procedures, noting that some children are even denied access to healthcare and education, facing discrimination due to their stateless status.

Ting hoped that this landmark settlement between the federal government, Family Frontiers, and the six Malaysian mothers will offer encouragement to other stateless individuals currently applying for or awaiting the outcome of their citizenship applications.