NO POLICY CHANGE IN CASE OF DUAL CITIZENSHIP HOLDERS SURRENDERING MYKAD

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 17 (Bernama) -- The National Registration Department (NRD) has stressed that there is no change in policy and that no automatic action will be taken against MyKad holders with dual citizenship who voluntarily surrender their Malaysian identity cards.

The assurance was given following a statement issued by its director general (DG), Datuk Badrul Hisham Alias, recently, that the department is considering allowing dual citizenship holders to voluntarily surrender their MyKad without facing legal action, apart from the mandatory forfeiture of one of their citizenships.

According to NRD, the statement by its director-general referred to the existing approach in addressing dual citizenship, which has long been provided for under the Federal Constitution.

“As a sovereign nation, Malaysia does not recognise dual citizenship. Therefore, Malaysian citizens who hold foreign citizenship may voluntarily renounce their Malaysian citizenship, rather than being deprived of it under Articles 24, 25 or 26 of the Federal Constitution,” it said.

 The clarification was issued following the spread of a news clip on social media that allegedly referred to the NRD Director General’s statement, but was interpreted out of context.

The NRD also clarified that the phrase “considering recommendations” does not indicate any policy change or automatic action against individuals. Instead, it refers to the options that may be considered in matters related to citizenship revocation to ensure that citizenship management is carried out prudently, fairly and in accordance with the law.

“The NRD wishes to emphasise that no arbitrary action will be taken. Each case will be assessed thoroughly based on the facts, the provisions of the Federal Constitution and approvals from the relevant authorities,” the department said.

-- BERNAMA