PUTRAJAYA: Come forward with proof of people with dual citizenship for authorities to act accordingly by getting them to choose the country they wish to belong to, says the Home Minister.
Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin (pic), in pointing out that the law does not allow for dual citizenship, said while there were such claims, proof was needed for the authorities to act.
“We need proof as this is an issue which concerns one’s rights and citizenship.
“We can strip an individual of his Malaysian citizenship if he is found to hold that of another country, but investigation must be made based on relevant proof,” he told the media after presenting excellent service award to 252 recipients from the Home Ministry and its agencies and department yesterday.
Muhyiddin was responding to a news report claiming that thousands of Thai nationals living close to the border of Kelantan are believed to hold dual citizenship since the 1980s and this allowed them to cross the border without any restriction.
Muhyiddin said the government does not recognise dual citizenship and the law permits to strip one’s citizenship if he was found to have acquired citizenship of another country be it via registration, naturalisation or voluntarily.
A Malaysian can also lose his citizenship if he is found to have used the rights or privileges that is given specifically to a citizen of another country, such as the right to vote or hold their passport.
In dealing with such cases, Muhyiddin said after having determined that the person has dual citizenship, he would be asked to choose to keep one and relinquish the other.
“The choice is theirs but they will have to make a choice. If the person chooses to be a Malaysian, he will have to abide and live by the law of this country,” he said.
On another matter, the Home Minister said that organisers of the “Solidarity for Peace” march scheduled for tomorrow must adhere to the law and this include notifying the police of their plans.
“I’m not sure what the current status of the event is, but no matter who organises it, regulations must be followed. There are no exemptions,” he said.
The Peaceful Assembly Act stipulates that organisers of such events are required to notify the police 10 days in advance.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Dr Mujahid Yusof, who announced this, said the event was meant to show solidarity with the victims of the Christchurch terror attack and is scheduled to start from 7.30am at Dataran Merdeka.
According to Dr Mujahid, between 5,000 and 10,000 participants are expected to attend the event.
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