KUCHING: Sarawakians MPs should be persuaded to introduce a motion for constitutional amendments that will allow children born overseas to Malaysian women with foreign spouses to automatically become Malaysian citizens.
“The Attorney-General stated that the problem of Malaysian women’s citizenship applications being denied for children they have had with foreign spouses abroad could be solved by amending the federal constitution,” said SUPP Kuching branch Youth Publicity secretary Michelle Chai Min Yik.
As such she hoped the Sarawak Women’s Group could do its part in persuading MPs from Sarawak to introduce the motion in parliament.
Chai said there was still much to be done to achieve true equality and equal rights although the women’s right movement has made significant progress since independence.
The legal rights for women and children must be further strengthened, she added.
“Women are subjected to far more pressure than men by nature. They have to bear the responsibility of having children and working women must care for the housework as well children simultaneously.
“I hope that men will support the women’s rights movement by showing more respect and upholding women’s rights,” she added.
Referring to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri’s speech during the 60th Malaysia Women’s Day celebration organised by the National Women’s Council on Aug 25, she said he spoke highly of the elevated status of Malaysia women.
“According to the prime minister, the government has decided to increase the number of women working in various government departments and agencies.
“Through various women organisations at the federal and state level like the National Council of Women’s Organisations, the government will strengthen the position of women at all levels.
“The government will also offer women better support in terms of their career path and welfare,” she said in a statement on Saturday (Aug 27).
During the same event, Her Majesty Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah Al-Marhum Al-Mutawakkil Alallah Sultan Iskandar Al-Haj hoped this year’s Women’s Day would inspire women across the country to continue working hard to face challenges.
Her Majesty also called for greater equality and the struggle for women’s rights to be heard as well as lending support to the women’s right movement.
Chai pointed out that while most people regard March 8 as Women’s Day, Malaysia’s Women’s Day was celebrated on Aug 25.
