KUALA LUMPUR: The constitutional amendments passed in Parliament yesterday will have a "decades-long" impact on the most vulnerable children in the country, said Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman.
In a three-minute-long video shared on X, the Muar member of parliament (MP) shared three reasons why he was the only MP who voted against the amendments yesterday.
He said more than 120 non-governmental organisations and 84 influential individuals have worked tirelessly to defend the most vulnerable groups in the country, especially the children.
"They have voiced their displeasure over the constitutional amendments because the children, the most vulnerable, will be the most affected when the protection given in the Federal Constitution to them is being taken away.
"I put my full trust in the experts who have made their studies and issued statements."
He said secondly, the amendments would greatly affect the at-risk children, as seen in "tens of thousands" of cases in the country.
"Today, we see there are tens of thousands of cases where Malaysians born and raised here, went to school here, work here and even want to die here are still being denied citizenship because of issues with bureaucracy, administration, and documentation.
"However, our Federal Constitution is quite unique. The children are protected and given citizenship rights.
"With the amendments, the right to citizenship given to their children is being taken away."
Syed Saddiq said as an MP in Muar, he had seen many such cases and knew of their problems.
"I know how much they love this country. But now, it's not just them who are affected, their children's rights are taken away too.
"And these are the most vulnerable groups, the poor, who have no connections. I truly sympathise with their cause."
The third reason, he added, was that the constitutional amendments go beyond Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail's administration.
Syed Saddiq said those involved in drafting the Constitution were aware of the need to protect the most vulnerable group.
"I understand and truly, I trust the minister. But this issue goes beyond his administration.
"This will bring impact decades to come and will go beyond any party or any government. That is why I think we need to give trust and faith to the Federal Constitution," he added.
The Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2024 on citizenship was passed in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday by a two-thirds majority after a long debate by 70 MPs.
The bill was tabled for the first reading on March 25 but received criticism from various quarters. It was tabled for a second reading in this session and a third reading yesterday with no amendments.