Citizenship policies must be fair, consistent with no preferential treatment, says G25

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia must demonstrate that its citizenship policies are administered with integrity, fairness and consistency, says G25 Malaysia.

It said Malaysia must show that no applicant receives preferential treatment simply because their case serves a more visible or immediate national interest.

“Citizenship is not merely an administrative convenience or a means to achieve immediate national success. It carries fundamental rights, responsibilities and a sense of belonging.

“The credibility of our institutions depends not only on the rules we establish, but on whether the public can trust that those rules are applied fairly to all and that those who have done wrong are held accountable for their crimes,” it said in a statement on Wednesday (Oct 21).

G25 Malaysia is a Malay-Muslim group of former civil servants and individuals with deep experience across diverse fields, united by a shared vision for a more just, cohesive, and progressive Malaysia.

The group also expressed deep concern with the Home Ministry over the administration of Malaysian citizenship exposed by the controversy involving the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and the seven foreign footballers.

It urged the government to provide a full and transparent account of the roles played by FAM and the relevant government authorities in the processing and verification of the implicated players’ documents, including how the discrepancies arose and what safeguards failed.

“It should also clarify the legal basis and criteria for any exemptions granted and ensure that the findings lead to appropriate corrective action and accountability through the proper criminal process for all those involved.

“G25 recognises the importance of developing Malaysian football and strengthening the national team.

“However, sporting ambition cannot take precedence over the integrity of citizenship procedures, the rule of law, and public confidence in our institutions,” it said, stressing that citizenship should not be treated as a convenient instrument for achieving short-term objectives.

The controversy emerged in September last year, when football governing body Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) found that falsified documents had been submitted to establish the eligibility of seven foreign-born footballers to represent Malaysia.

The Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission’s investigation earlier this year also identified irregularities in the processing of the players’ citizenship approvals.

G25 Malaysia also called for the expedited implementation of citizenship amendments for children born overseas to Malaysian mothers, address outstanding applications fairly and establish clear, consistent and transparent criteria for citizenship applicants.

“Despite the passing of constitutional amendments in 2024 to address this inequality, implementation has continued to be delayed,” it said.

It added that it is difficult to reconcile these prolonged delays with the apparent urgency and flexibility shown in facilitating citizenship for the seven footballers.

“For mothers and children who have endured years of uncertainty, this contrast is deeply disheartening.

“It creates a troubling perception of double standards that citizenship can be facilitated swiftly when it serves an immediate national objective, while families seeking recognition of their legitimate ties to Malaysia are left waiting.

“Even if the legal routes and circumstances differ, the government must explain why such a stark contrast in treatment has arisen,” said G25 Malaysia.

It also said the same question applies to foreign lecturers, scientists and researchers who have served Malaysian universities and institutions for years, contributing to education, scientific advancement and national development.

“Their contributions may not bring immediate international recognition, but they are vital to Malaysia’s long-term interests.

“A transparent and credible policy that recognises sustained contributions to the country is needed, rather than allowing applications to remain in uncertainty without clear explanations,” said G25 Malaysia. - Star