The Home Affairs Ministry (KDN) announced it will review the findings and recommendations submitted by the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) concerning the management of citizenship applications through naturalisation, as of July 12, 2026 [1, 2].
The review will involve collaboration with key agencies including the National Registration Department (JPN/NRD), the Immigration Department (JIM/JIM), and the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) [1, 3, 2]. Focus areas include strengthening standard operating procedures, documentation, coordination of work processes, and governance mechanisms to align with public service best practices [1, 3, 2].
To improve handling of citizenship applications, continuous training will be provided for officers and staff involved in the process [1, 3, 2]. The ministry reiterated that citizenship applications under Article 19 of the Federal Constitution undergo comprehensive assessment based on constitutional provisions, relevant laws, and considerations of national security and sovereignty [1, 3, 2].
Before any citizenship application is considered, the ministry obtains thorough scrutiny and vetting from multiple related agencies according to their jurisdictions [1, 2]. The ministry emphasized that the power to consider citizenship applications is exercised with caution, taking into account public interest, national security, and the facts of each case. "KDN wishes to emphasise that the power to consider citizenship applications is subject to the provisions of the Federal Constitution and is exercised with due caution, taking into account various factors, including public interest, national security and the facts of each case," the ministry said [1].
The EAIC Special Task Force recently submitted six recommendations, one of which calls for the Home Ministry to review the entire process and documents issued for seven naturalised Malaysian football players [1, 3, 2]. Another recommendation urged KDN to establish clear guidelines on discretionary powers under the law, taking constitutional provisions into account [1, 2].
The ministry pledged full cooperation with any agency holding jurisdiction to conduct further investigations should legal action be needed [1, 3, 2]. In a statement, the ministry reaffirmed its commitment to integrity, transparency, and efficiency in processing citizenship matters. "The ministry remains committed to strengthening integrity, transparency, and efficiency in service delivery to ensure that all matters relating to citizenship are handled professionally, with accountability, and in line with the principles of Malaysia Madani," it said [3].
