Malaysian Home Minister, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, has refuted allegations that his ministry is granting Malaysian citizenship on a large scale to foreigners, particularly from China. He dismissed these accusations as irresponsible and unsubstantiated. Saifuddin Nasution emphasized that such claims could hinder the ministry’s efforts to resolve the ongoing citizenship application issue.
In response to the allegations, Saifuddin Nasution stated, “This is what we are doing, and it is not an easy task, as issues related to citizenship are highly sensitive. However, I categorically reject the accusations. Allow us the space to address the future of children from Malaysian families where the marriage registration process was not carried out correctly. We want to provide assistance.” These remarks were made during a donation presentation ceremony for the purchase of a hearse at Ar-Raudhah Mosque in Sungai Durian on August 26.
During the same event, Saifuddin Nasution handed over a citizenship approval letter to Khatanak Sayyan, a 19-year-old who had been without an identity document since birth. Saifuddin Nasution also revealed that his ministry had received over 140,000 citizenship applications, of which 9,000 had been processed and included approved applications.
Highlighting the importance of accurate data dissemination, Saifuddin Nasution cautioned against distorting information about citizenship grants, as it could create a negative perception of the ministry’s efforts to address the matter. He attributed delays in marriage registration as one of the main factors contributing to such issues. Saifuddin Nasution explained, “There are various reasons for this; sometimes, parents fail to promptly register their marriage. However, for citizenship purposes, one essential document is the marriage certificate. Without it, problems arise over time for the children.”
Previously, the National Registration Department (NRD) had denied allegations that around 54,000 Chinese nationals were in the process of being granted Malaysian citizenship, with claims that this was a tactic to increase DAP voter numbers.
– Bernama
Credit: The Star : News Feed
