MAHISHA SULAIHA ABDUL MAJEED 1. ) KETUA PENGARAH JABATAN PENDAFTARAN NEGARA 2. ) MENTERI DALAM NEGERI MALAYSIA 3. ) Kerajaan Malaysia

MAHISHA SULAIHA ABDUL MAJEED 1. ) KETUA PENGARAH JABATAN PENDAFTARAN NEGARA 2. ) MENTERI DALAM NEGERI MALAYSIA 3. ) Kerajaan Malaysia

The Court of Appeal held that for children born outside the Federation Article 14(1)(b) read with Part II s.1(b)/(c) applies and the word 'father' refers to the father (male parent) only; the court is bound by Federal Court authority (CTEB) and cannot read 'father' to include 'mother' without parliamentary amendment; therefore Mahisha's appeal is dismissed and the Government's appeal is allowed; remedies exist under Article 15(2); no order as to costs.

Citation
W-01(A)-273-06/2020 (Mahkamah Rayuan)
Parties
Appellant (appeal 273): Mahisha Sulaiha Abdul Majeed; Respondent (appeal 273) and Appellant (appeal 531): Government of Malaysia; Respondents (appeal 531): Suriani Kempe and Others (Mothers); Respondents: Ketua Pengarah Pendaftaran Negara; Menteri Dalam Negeri; Kerajaan Malaysia
Court
A
Jurisdiction
Malaysia
Judgment Date
5 August 2022
Case Number
W-01(A)-273-06/2020 (Mahkamah Rayuan)
Procedural Posture
Civil Appeals (constitutional/citizenship) / Court of Appeal Judgment (final Decision Delivered)
Outcome
Appeal 273 dismissed (High Court judgment affirmed); Appeal 531 allowed (High Court judgment set aside)
Legal Topics
Interpretation of Constitution, Gender Equality, Citizenship by Operation of Law, Statelessness, Separation of Powers
Source Language
Malay/English
Constitutional Law Citizenship Law Administrative Law Interpretation of Constitution Gender Equality Citizenship by Operation of Law Statelessness Separation of Powers

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Parties

Mahisha Sulaiha Abdul Majeed

Appellant (appeal 273)

Government of Malaysia

Respondent (appeal 273) and Appellant (appeal 531)

Suriani Kempe and Others (Mothers)

Respondents (appeal 531)

Ketua Pengarah Pendaftaran Negara; Menteri Dalam Negeri; Kerajaan Malaysia

Respondents

Procedural Posture

Civil Appeals (constitutional/citizenship) / Court of Appeal Judgment (final Decision Delivered)

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the word 'father' in Article 14(1)(b) read with Part II Section 1(b)/(c) of the Second Schedule includes 'mother'
  2. 2 Whether Article 8(2) (gender equality) requires harmonious reading of citizenship provisions to remove gender discrimination
  3. 3 Whether courts may adopt purposive/organic interpretation to alter clear constitutional wording or whether that is reserved to Parliament

Ratio Decidendi

The Court of Appeal held that for children born outside the Federation Article 14(1)(b) read with Part II s.1(b)/(c) applies and the word 'father' refers to the father (male parent) only; the court is bound by Federal Court authority (CTEB) and cannot read 'father' to include 'mother' without parliamentary amendment; therefore Mahisha's appeal is dismissed and the Government's appeal is allowed; remedies exist under Article 15(2); no order as to costs.

Court Disposition

Appeal 273 dismissed (High Court judgment affirmed); Appeal 531 allowed (High Court judgment set aside)

Orders

  • Appeal W-01(A)-273-06/2020 dismissed and High Court decision affirmed
  • Appeal W-01(NCVC)(A)-531-09/2021 allowed and High Court decision set aside