PETALING JAYA: Several ministers have slammed Bersatu's Masjid Tanah MP Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsuddin for insinuating that the revamped conditions for the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme will give automatic permanent residents (PR) to applicants from China.
Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing explained that the applicants for the programme – aimed at boosting the nation’s economic recovery, and applicants – would undergo a thorough inspection before being approved.
He said every applicant must pass a strict review process, including financial screenings and background checks, before they are eligible to receive a pass according to conditions imposed by the Immigration Department.
“Why must Mas Ermieyati confuse the public and claim that the programme only sides with applicants from China? What is she trying to convey through provocations by picking on a specific country?
“Every applicant, irrespective of nationality, must fulfil terms in the Platinum category before they are allowed to apply for permanent residence.
“Mas Ermieyati’s comments show her ignorance on numerous matters, and this is a way for her to gain political attention,” he said in a statement.
The revised system made several changes to eligibility criteria.
For the Platinum tier, applicants must have a fixed deposit of RM5mil (US$1.05mil). They can withdraw half of the amount after a year to purchase properties priced at RM1.5mil minimum.
The minimum age requirement has been lowered to 30, opening the door to more people who seek to make Malaysia their second home.
Applications can only be submitted through licensed MM2H agents accredited by the ministry under the Tourism Industry Act 1992 as a way to make the process more streamlined and secure.
Another significant change is an expanded list of eligible dependents.
In addition to spouses, children below 21 and children with disabilities, the programme now covers all children aged between 21 and 34 who are not working in Malaysia or married.
Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli also hit out at Mas Ermieyati, saying he was shocked that the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) chairman had made such allegations based on hearsay.
“When I was the Opposition, there were all kinds of stories that were shared with me. But 90% of the time, it will be rejected because they are not backed up by evidence.
“Once I get the evidence, I will investigate it.
“Shame on you, can you please be more hardworking if you want to do an expose against the government?” the PKR deputy president said.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the Tourism Minister had denied the allegations and the PAC chairman should stop spreading fake news.
“The Tourism Minister is ready to explain it to her if the Masjid Tanah MP still does not understand,” he said.
