Kuala lumpur: The Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) has put forth a recommendation for the Ministry of Home Affairs and the National Registration Department (NRD) to conduct a review of the entire citizenship process and documents granted to seven naturalised Malaysian football players. This initiative is among six recommendations submitted by the EAIC Special Task Force (PPK EAIC), which was initiated under Section 17 of the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission Act 2009 [Act 700] following an investigation into complaints about the citizenship approval process for these players.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the PPK EAIC investigation involved the NRD and the Immigration Department (JIM), both of which are under the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN) and responsible for processing and approving Entry Permits and citizenship applications via naturalisation. The EAIC has urged that NRD and KDN review the entire process and citizenship documents granted under Article 19(2) of the Federal Constitution, citing findings that indicated irregularities.
Another recommendation includes establishing a guideline for exercising discretionary power under the law, considering the fundamental provisions in the Federal Constitution that stress the period of residence in the country as a certified basis for citizenship. This is deemed an important factor when considering approvals granted based on special circumstances.
The EAIC also suggested that NRD and KDN develop a specific Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for granting citizenship status under Article 19(2) of the Federal Constitution. Additionally, JIM and NRD, along with the Royal Malaysia Police, should create a specific SOP for conducting strict and comprehensive security screenings for Entry Permit and citizenship approvals.
The investigation found that the Federal Constitution grants the Minister of Home Affairs the power to consider citizenship applications via naturalisation according to the provisions under Article 19. The Minister of Home Affairs, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, exercised his power and discretion by granting special approval, acknowledging the applicants' contributions to football, which could bring honour to the country.
However, the PPK EAIC noted that the conditions required to obtain special approval were considered within an extremely short timeframe and in an irregular manner. This includes irregularities in the issuance process of Entry Permits, which involved the interview process and security screenings by JIM for the naturalised players.
Issues were also identified regarding the handling of security screenings by JIM and the Malay Language Proficiency Test (UPBM) by NRD for citizenship approval purposes. The EAIC emphasized that citizenship acquisition via naturalisation involves national interest and security, necessitating effective SOPs that must be monitored and strictly adhered to by JIM and NRD. The EAIC Investigation Findings Report has been submitted to KDN, JIM, and NRD for further action.
Moreover, PPK EAIC acknowledged that police reports have been lodged concerning document forgery, deemed fraudulent by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The EAIC stated that it is appropriate for this matter to be thoroughly investigated by the relevant agencies and referred to the appropriate authorities, as the issue of document forgery falls outside the EAIC's jurisdiction under Act 700.