KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia continues to assess citizenship applications on a case-by-case basis, including those involving individuals facing documentation issues and children born overseas to Malaysian mothers, Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said.
He said the death of a Malaysian mother does not automatically disqualify an applicant from obtaining Malaysian citizenship, as reported by Bernama.
“Every applicant must undergo a comprehensive assessment process, including background checks, document verification and stringent security screening, to ensure that only those who are genuinely eligible are granted citizenship while safeguarding national sovereignty.
“Citizenship applications are assessed based on the facts of each case, supporting documents and the applicable legal provisions,” he said when winding up the debate on the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) 2024 Annual Report for the Home Ministry in the Dewan Rakyat on July 7.
Shamsul Anuar said individuals aged 21 and above who have never previously applied for citizenship may still seek Malaysian nationality through naturalisation under Article 19 of the Federal Constitution.
He said applicants must meet the prescribed requirements, including holding permanent resident status, fulfilling the minimum residency period, demonstrating good character and possessing adequate knowledge of the Malay language.
The ministry is also targeting to process complete citizenship applications within one year, with compliance to the timeline being closely monitored.
“The ministry continues to improve its processes to minimise delays without compromising the integrity of the assessment process or the nation's security and sovereignty,” he said.
To speed up the resolution of documentation issues, particularly in Sabah and Sarawak, Shamsul Anuar said a Special Task Force comprising the National Registration Department (NRD) and the Sarawak Premier's Department has been established.
Through field operations, the task force assists eligible individuals with birth registration and the issuance of identification documents.
He added that the Sarawak-Level Special Committee on Citizenship Status and the Menyemai Kasih Rakyat (MEKAR) programme are also expanding registration services to rural and remote communities while expediting consideration of special citizenship cases, including applications under Article 15E of the Federal Constitution involving children.
Separately, Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni said Malaysia will continue using ASEAN platforms and strengthening cooperation with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to improve protection and assistance for Rohingya refugees.
He said the refugee and asylum seeker situation, particularly involving the Rohingya community, has significant cross-border implications, including irregular migration, human trafficking and security challenges.
“Malaysia remains committed to supporting the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus as ASEAN's primary framework for addressing the crisis in Myanmar, while recognising that a sustainable solution requires the support and engagement of the wider international community,” he said.
Lukanisman added that Malaysia would continue advocating greater international burden-sharing and responsibility-sharing, including expanding opportunities for refugee resettlement in third countries.
