THERE have been 17,113 citizenship applications in the state between January 2021 and October, says Penang social development, welfare and non-Islamic religious affairs committee chairman Lim Siew Khim (pic).
She said this was based on data provided by the state National Registration Department.
“From that figure, 188 applications were approved while 864 were rejected.
“The remainder of 16,061 applications are being processed.
“Of the 188 approved applications, it is understood that 40 are from Indonesia, India (16), the Philippines (five) and the remaining 127 are from several other countries,” she said during the Penang State Assembly sitting.
Lim was responding to a question from Nor Zamri Latiff (PN-Sungai Bakap) on the number of applications and the state agencies involved in the approval process.
“If the applicant does not have the relevant documents, it is quite difficult for the process to be carried out.
“The involvement, cooperation and commitment of various agencies such as police, Welfare Department, Foreign Consulate Office are needed to facilitate the citizenship application process.”
Lim said under citizenship through registration, the requirements under Article 15(1) of the Federal Constitution for a spouse include that the husband is a Malaysian citizen, they are still in a valid, legally registered marriage in Malaysia and that the applicant has fulfilled the residency period more than two years before the application date.
Lim said under the same category, for a child below the age of 21, at least one parent must be a Malaysian citizen.
“While for those under Article 16 of the Federal Constitution, individuals aged 18 and above who were born before Independence must be a resident here for no less than five years before the date of application.”
Under the citizenship through naturalisation category, the requirements include the applicant (aged 21 and above) being a resident for no less than 10 years before the application date based on Article 19 of the Federal Constitution.
“They must have the intention of being a permanent resident, demonstrate good behaviour and have sufficient command of Bahasa Malaysia,” she said.
Lim said facts and supporting documents submitted by each applicant will be examined before a decision is made.
“The processes and procedures are carried out carefully to ensure citizenship is given to truly deserving individuals, in line with the Federal Constitution.”
