Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
KUALA LUMPUR: Those aged 21 and above who were born overseas to Malaysian mothers can apply for citizenship under Article 19(1) of the Federal Constitution.
In a parliamentary written reply, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said this is a special policy he agreed to on Feb 17.
This applied to those over 21 whose mothers had previously applied under Article 15(2) but were rejected by the Federal Government.
Saifuddin Nasution said that since the individuals concerned are over 21, they must submit the citizenship applications themselves.
"The individuals concerned must fulfil the three basic conditions stipulated under Article 19(1) of Part III of the Federal Constitution for consideration by the government.
"(These are that:) The individual was born overseas to a Malaysian mother married to a non-citizen father; the individual’s mother had previously applied under Article 15(2) and her application was rejected; and the individual must be present in Malaysia.
"The last condition is because an application for citizenship under Article 19(1) of the Federal Constitution can only be submitted within the country," he wrote.
Yeo Bee Yin (PH-Puchong) had asked the Home Ministry to state the measures taken to ensure that those ineligible under Article 15(2) are not denied the opportunity to apply for citizenship, including access to the application form required under Article 19.
Elaborating, Saifuddin Nasution said the third requirement is related to residency, to demonstrate that applicants are residing in the country and have the intention to reside permanently.
The requirement is in line with the basic requirements contained in Part III of the Federal Constitution, he added.
