ANNUAL REPORT 2019 i. On a follow-up visit, SUHAKAM found the children’s home had set up a proper complaints mechanism for family members to raise issues. The home also replaced their old wardens with two new ones after crosschecking whether PDRM has any criminal record on them. SUHAKAM was also informed that the Penang Welfare Department would conduct routine visits to the cildren’s home once every three months. 6. CITIZENSHIP OF STATELESS CHILDREN IN MALAYSIA In the year of review, SUHAKAM received three complaints (as of September) concerning citizenship applications. On 19 March 2019, SUHAKAM sought information on the following from the National Registration Department (NRD): i. ii. iii. iv. v. The process of the application for citizenship, especially for Malaysians who adopt a baby who is not a citizen; Status for a temporary identity card (Green IC); The NRD’s procedure for citizenship applications; Issues related to late birth registration; and Issues pertaining to temporary identity card (H04/H05) for Sabahans. SUHAKAM received feedback from NRD as follows: i. For an adopted child, the child will follow the citizenship of his biological mother. However, Malaysian parents can apply for citizenship for their adopted child under Article 15A of the Federal Constitution. This is subject to approval by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA). If the application fails, the applicant cannot appeal, but they can make a new application; ii. In the case of stranded children, the application for late birth registration should be made by the Welfare Department. Or if any person finds a child, they must make a police report and send the child to the Welfare Department. The Welfare Department will complete its social report on the stranded child before submitting it CHAPTER 1 There should be a proper complaints mechanism for the parents or guardians to raise and discuss any issues concerning their child or management of the children’s home; ii. Before hiring an employee, the administration should check with PDRM whether the person has a criminal record; and iii. The staff and wardens should receive proper training. A different set of skills are needed to manage children effectively. 55