DNA findings can support application for citizenship - Wan Junaidi

Results of DNA tests can support applications for citizenship for stateless children, said Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.

However, he said, the DNA report was not a mandatory document required by the ministry to review an application which was still subjected to the law under section three of the Federal Constitution.

"Children who are born in the federation but the parents' marriage is not registered under the law and the mother is not a Malaysian, then they are not Malaysian citizens but follow the citizenship of their mother.

"If the child is born in the federation and the parents' marriage is not registered, but the mother is Malaysian, then the child will be given Malaysian citizenship," he said at the Dewan Rakyat sitting, Tuesday.

Wan Junaidi was replying to a question from Loke Siew Fook (DAP-Seremban) who wanted to know if the ministry accepted DNA reports as supporting evidence for applications for citizenship of stateless children whose fathers were citizens.

The deputy minister said the citizenship status would not be easily granted to any individual because it was the highest award by the Malaysian government and subjected to the documents meeting the requirements of the law.

He said that at present there were no outstanding applications for citizenship.

Replying to a supplementary question from Loke that the cost of RM1,500 to conduct DNA tests at the Chemistry Department was too high, Wan Junaidi said the ministry was willing to discuss reducing it with the department.