KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 6,363 citizenship applications are still being considered for the period from Jan 1, 2024 to Sept 30 this year, Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said.
He said 16,338 citizenship applications were received during the same period, while 4,583 were approved and citizenship certificates issued.
"Each application will be thoroughly examined and considered based on the facts of the case, information, documents and supporting evidence submitted by the applicant, in turn, before a decision is made.
"The process requires detailed scrutiny, and no specific timeframe has been set for a decision to be made,” he said in reply to a question from Tan Kar Hing (PH-Gopeng) on the status of citizenship and entry permit applications during the Special Chamber sitting in the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday (Oct 15).
On applications through naturalisation, he said the provision under Article 19(1) of the Federal Constitution applied to certain categories of adults born overseas to Malaysian mothers.
Shamsul Anuar said the provision could be considered for individuals aged 21 and above who had previously been unable to obtain Malaysian citizenship and faced difficulties meeting the residency requirements, subject to the prescribed criteria and conditions.
Among the requirements are residing in the Federation for at least 10 years within the 12 years preceding the application, including the 12 months immediately before the application; intending to reside permanently in Malaysia; being of good character; and having adequate knowledge of the Malay language.
Applicants in this category must also obtain a Temporary Resident Identity Card (MyKAS) and hold it for at least six months before submitting their applications. — Bernama
