PUTRAJAYA: The Home Ministry will study recommendations made by the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) to improve the management of citizenship applications through naturalisation, while reaffirming that all decisions are made in accordance with the Federal Constitution and national interests.
The ministry said it respected the role of statutory oversight institutions and would carefully examine every recommendation put forward to strengthen public service delivery and governance.
"Citizenship applications under Article 19 of the Federal Constitution are processed in accordance with the law and undergo thorough scrutiny based on constitutional provisions, relevant legislation, as well as considerations involving national security and sovereignty.
"Assessments are conducted in collaboration with several relevant agencies, each acting within its respective jurisdiction, before any application is considered.
"The ministry will review the findings and recommendations made by the EAIC together with the relevant agencies, including the National Registration Department (NRD), the Immigration Department and the police, to identify areas for improvement," it said in a statement on Sunday (July 12).
Among the areas to be reviewed are the strengthening of standard operating procedures (SOPs), documentation, coordination of work processes and governance mechanisms in line with best practices in the public service.
The ministry also said continuous training would be provided to officers and personnel involved in handling citizenship applications to ensure they possess the necessary knowledge and skills.
At the same time, the ministry stressed that the power to consider citizenship applications remains subject to the Federal Constitution and is exercised with due care, taking into account public interest, national security and the facts of each individual case.
It also pledged full cooperation with any agency empowered to conduct further investigations should any matter require legal action.
The ministry said it remained committed to enhancing integrity, transparency and efficiency in the delivery of its services to ensure that all citizenship-related matters are handled professionally, accountably and in line with the principles of Malaysia Madani.
