Adua Akhbar The STAR: A Way Out

URGENT VIA FAX

Editor-In-Chief
The Star Publication
(u.p.: Mr. Ho Ban Kee)

Sir,

RESPOND TO THE STAR ON “A WAY OUT”, DATED 27TH JULY 2010 (TUESDAY), M.S.: N38 (VIEWS)

With reference to the above matter.

The National Registration Department (NRD) would like to clarify on the comment titled “A Way Out” reporting that being Sabah Illegal would enable a person to get an automatic citizenship of this country.

2. Every application for citizenship is processed in accordance to every rules and regulations which are based on the provisions provided by The Federal Constitution. Meanwhile, the provisions for applying a citizenship consist of various categories and take into account the applicant’s eligibility; it is subject to the discretion and approval by the Government of Malaysia.

3. For the readers’ kind information, Malaysian Citizenship is the highest award given by the Government. Even though a person had fulfilled all the criteria and eligibility in applying for a citizenship, it is subject to the Government consideration and approval. The Government has the prerogative to award or not to any individual without having to give out any reason /reasons to the individuals concerned.

4. There are circumstances where a person shall be deprived of it citizenship as accorded by The Federal Constitution, Termination of citizenship to any person were clearly highlighted in Chapter 2, Part 3 of The Federal Constitution of Malaysia.:-

i. A person that has acquired a citizenship of another country outside The Federation;
ii. A person that has voluntarily claimed and exercised any right available in a country outside The Federation which are accorded exclusively to its citizens such as using foreign passport, registered as a voter of another country outside of The Federation;
iii. A person that has accepted, served in or performed the duties of any office, post, employment under the government of any country outside of The Federation where an oath, affirmation or declaration of allegiance is required;
iv. A person that has obtained Citizenship by means of fraud, false representation or concealment of fact.

5. Therefore the allegation those being an illegal and able to automatically obtain citizenship are baseless. The NRD regard misuse of identification documents as a serious matter and would like to take this opportunity to inform the public to report to the department should there be any evidence showing such misuse.

Thank you.

“BERKHIDMAT UNTUK NEGARA”

Yours faithfully,

(JAINISAH BINTI MOHD NOOR)
Public Relation Officer
for the Director General
National Registration Department
Malaysia
 : 03-88807077
 : 03-88808288
 : pro@jpn.gov.my

c.c.: 1. Y. Bhg. Dato’ KPPN
2. Y. Brs. Tuan TKPPN (P)
3. Y. Brs. Tuan TKPPN (O)