Kuala lumpur: Opportunities for obtaining Malaysian citizenship for individuals facing documentation issues, including children born abroad to Malaysian mothers, are considered based on each case's merits and relevant legal provisions, Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah announced.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Shamsul Anuar emphasized that the death of a Malaysian mother does not automatically disqualify an individual from applying for citizenship. "Every applicant must undergo a comprehensive assessment process, including background checks, document verification, and stringent security screening, to ensure that only those who are genuinely eligible are granted citizenship, while safeguarding national sovereignty," he stated during the debate on the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) 2024 Annual Report for the Home Ministry (KDN) in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Shamsul Anuar indicated that individuals aged 21 and above who have never previously applied for citizenship may still seek Malaysian citizenship through naturalisation under Article 19 of the Federal Constitution. Applicants must fulfil requirements including holding permanent resident status, meeting the minimum residency period, demonstrating good character, and possessing adequate knowledge of the Malay language.
He also mentioned that the Home Ministry aims to process complete citizenship applications within one year, with compliance to the timeline being closely monitored. "The ministry continues to improve its processes to minimise delays without compromising the integrity of the assessment process or the nation's security and sovereignty," he added.
To address documentation issues, especially in Sabah and Sarawak, Shamsul Anuar noted the establishment of a Special Task Force (PPK) comprising the National Registration Department (JPN) and the Sarawak Premier's Department. This task force conducts field operations to assist with birth registrations and the issuance of identification documents to eligible individuals.
He further mentioned initiatives such as the Sarawak-Level Special Committee on Citizenship Status and the Menyemai Kasih Rakyat (MEKAR) programme, which bring registration services directly to rural and remote communities. "The state-level committee reviews citizenship applications, particularly those under Article 15E of the Federal Constitution, to expedite the consideration of special cases, including applications involving children that require special consideration by the federal government," Shamsul Anuar explained.
Meanwhile, Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni stated that Malaysia will continue to utilise ASEAN platforms and strengthen cooperation with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to enhance protection and assistance for Rohingya refugees in the country. He highlighted the significant cross-border implications of the refugee and asylum seeker crisis, including irregular migration, human trafficking, and security challenges.
Lukanisman reiterated Malaysia's commitment to supporting ASEAN's Five-Point Consensus (5PC) as the primary framework for addressing the Myanmar crisis, while advocating for greater international burden-sharing and responsibility-sharing, including expanding opportunities for refugee resettlement in third countries.