Govt aims to approve 10,000 citizenship applications
IZWAN ROZLIN , MUKHRIZ MAT HUSIN , NAZRIN ZULKAFLI , NURHIDAYAH HAIROM
SHAH ALAM - The government targets approving 10,000 applications for Malaysian citizenship.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said only 6,000 applications have been approved so far.
"During my tenure in the Home Ministry, I pledged to approve as many applications as possible, especially those who have been waiting for 20 to 30 years.
"Without compromising security, Insya-Allah we will manage these applications as best as possible to give good news for those who applied," he said.
Saifuddin was speaking at the People’s Town Hall session organised by Sinar Harian held at Kumpulan Karangkraf on Monday.
Saifuddin said the approval was a majority under Article 15(2) of the Federal Constitution for children under the age of 21 born to citizens.
"If all the documents given are complete, the marriage certificates are in order, and it is a long application, we will help simplify the process. This is for those applying to not have to wait too long," he said.
He said currently there are over 133,436 applications received that are now being observed for approval.
"Applying for citizenship is a major step as it comes with rights that must be protected. Rights are guaranteed for citizens. Rights in terms of security, voting, education, and healthcare services," he said.
