KUALA LUMPUR: The government's proposal to amend the Federal Constitution regarding citizenship matters, particularly foundlings, is illogical and unreasonable, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.
During the debate on the royal address, Ramkarpal Singh (PH-Bukit Gelugor) said the proposal, if approved, would not grant automatic citizenship to foundlings and they would be subjected to a long and uncertain registration process.
"Isn't this a backward step that contradicts the government's aim to improve or reform the laws, and the government's promise to reduce the rate of statelessness in the country?
"On the contrary, won't this policy increase the rate of statelessness in the country, which also contradicts The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees's goal of reducing the rate of statelessness?" he asked.
The former deputy law and institutional reform minister said there were many rumours about the high rate of foundlings in Sabah and Sarawak.
He said that while the government's proposed amendment may be deemed necessary, there are concerns that it is being framed as a security issue without sufficient evidence.
"But is the government conducting studies to ensure whether this proposed amendment will address the issue in the states?
"Will this amendment prevent baby dumping cases in these states? Has the government ever conducted a study on this matter?" he questioned.
He believed that the effectiveness of the amendment may not achieve its goal because the problem of undocumented illegal foreigners in the states, especially in Sabah, stems from various other reasons that need to be addressed holistically through legal processes and enforcement.
"I am deeply concerned about the government's proposed amendment and urge for it to either be withdrawn or, at the very least, postponed for further review," he said.