KUALA LUMPUR: The government will provide further explanation on the proposed constitutional amendments resolving the issue of citizenship to avoid pushback including from the government members of Parliament.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said there is a limit to what the government can do, adding that the amendment has been presented to the Conference of Rulers.
Speaking after the launching of the Malaysian Digital Expo 2023 Grand Finale, Anwar's explanation came following reports over possible pushback from backbenchers when the bill to amend the constitution is tabled in Dewan Rakyat.
"We will inform them because this was presented to the Conference of Rulers. There is a limit what we can do.
"After our discussion, any constitutional amendments that affect the issue of citizenship has to be cleared with the Conference of Rulers.. And we will have to therefore honour (their decision).
"But we will explain to the backbenchers," he said.
Ipoh Timor member of parliament Howard Lee previously warned that several government MPs may not vote in favour of the amendments to the Federal Constitution, unless the government separated amendments viewed as positive, and those viewed as negative.
The amendments, among others, would grant Malaysian women married to foreigners and give birth overseas, rights to pass down citizenship to their children.
The government - with the support of two rogue PN MPs - has the support of 149 lawmakers, one seat more than a two-third which is required for the amendments to be done.
