The Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) uncovered multiple procedural lapses in the approval of citizenship applications for seven naturalised Malaysian footballers, according to a report released on July 10, 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4]. The EAIC’s findings detailed that these applications were processed within an unusually short timeframe and deviated from standard operating procedures, raising concerns over their validity [1, 2, 3, 4].
The irregularities included problems with the issuance of entry permits, non-compliance in Immigration Department interviews and security screenings, incomplete Malay Language Knowledge Tests conducted by the National Registration Department (NRD), failure to confirm renunciation of the applicants’ original citizenships, and missing or improperly submitted original passports [1, 2, 3, 4]. Malaysian law prohibits dual nationality, making the verification of renunciation a critical step in citizenship approval [2, 3, 4].
The EAIC recommended that the NRD and the Home Ministry conduct a thorough review of the documentation and processes related to these seven cases and establish clearer guidelines and standard operating procedures governing the exercise of ministerial discretion in citizenship grants [1, 2, 3, 4]. Under the Federal Constitution, the Home Minister holds the power to grant citizenship by naturalisation under Article 19, with discretionary powers encapsulated in Article 19(2) read alongside Section 20(1)(e) of the Second Schedule [1, 2, 3, 4].
Police reports have been filed concerning alleged forged documents linked to the players, and the Court of Arbitration for Sport has determined that some submitted documents were falsified. The EAIC clarified that handling these fraud allegations lies outside their jurisdiction [2, 3, 4].
Following the EAIC report, the Home Ministry publicly responded on July 12, stating it will collaborate with the NRD, Immigration Department, and police to bolster governance, improve SOPs, enhance document management, coordinate workflows, and provide additional training for officials involved in citizenship applications [5]. The ministry emphasized that the discretion to approve citizenship must align with constitutional and legal constraints, balancing public interest, national security, and residence requirements. A ministry official said, “Citizenship application discretion is exercised prudently under constitutional provisions, considering public interest, national security, and individual case factors. The Home Ministry will fully cooperate with any relevant investigation agencies to determine if legal action is warranted” (内政部) [5].
The EAIC task force interviewed 15 officers and 5 civilian witnesses during its investigation to determine procedural compliance [2, 3, 4].
Malaysian authorities are expected to implement EAIC’s recommendations to restore integrity in citizenship approvals and prevent similar procedural weaknesses in future naturalisation cases.
