Kuala lumpur: The National Registration Department (NRD) is contemplating a new policy that would allow individuals with dual citizenship to voluntarily surrender their MyKad without incurring legal repercussions, aside from the obligatory forfeiture of one of their nationalities.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, NRD director-general Datuk Badrul Hisham Alias shared that this potential initiative aims to assess the willingness of dual citizenship holders to formally choose which nationality to retain. He emphasized that the proposal is still under consideration and has not yet been implemented. "Our action would only involve the deprivation of one citizenship, not other legal measures or arrest," Badrul Hisham stated, noting that individuals would have the discretion to decide which citizenship to keep.

Badrul Hisham reiterated the stance that Malaysia does not recognize dual citizenship and highlighted that citizenship revocation can be enforced if dual nationality is confirmed. However, he admitted that the NRD currently lacks records of individuals holding dual citizenship but can act upon receiving a complaint under Articles 24(1) and 24(2) of the Federal Constitution.

He further elaborated on the complexity of the revocation process, explaining that it involves a committee chaired by an appointed judge, and action is only taken upon finding the individual guilty. Badrul Hisham also mentioned that discussions have been held with the Thai government regarding dual citizenship issues, which have been prompted by heightened border security measures.