PUTRAJAYA: Measures to improve the management of citizenship applications through naturalisation will be studied by the Home Ministry, following recommendations by the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC).
In a statement yesterday, it said it respects the role of statutory oversight bodies and would carefully examine every proposal aimed at strengthening 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 stressed that the power to consider citizenship applications remains subject to the Federal Constitution and is exercised with due care, accounting for public interest, national security and the facts of each individual case.
It also pledged full cooperation with any agencies empowered to conduct further investigations should any matter require legal action.
On Friday, the EAIC said it had uncovered irregularities in the approval process for Malaysian citizenship granted to seven heritage footballers.
It recommended that the NRD and the Home Ministry review the entire naturalisation process and all related documents involving the sportsmen whose citizenship was approved under Article 19(2) of the Federal Constitution.
It also proposed clearer guidelines on the exercise of discretionary powers under the law, particularly in cases involving special circumstances.
The EAIC proposed the establishment of a specific standard operating procedure for granting citizenship and an SOP governing the renunciation of original citizenship by foreigners who acquire Malaysian citizenship.
