BACHOK, Dec 12 — The National Registration Department (JPA) is considering allowing dual-citizenship holders to voluntarily surrender their MyKad without facing legal action, in addition to the mandatory forfeiture of one of their citizenships.
Its director-general Datuk Badrul Hisham Alias said the approach may be introduced to gauge the willingness of dual citizenship holders to come forward and make a formal choice.
“We have not introduced this offer or initiative, but I view it as a good proposal to see the level of response we might receive.
“In this context, our action would only involve the deprivation of one citizenship, not other legal measures or arrest. They can decide which citizenship they wish to retain, as there is no mandatory requirement imposed,” he told the media after presenting an identity card to Shaharuddin Basir, 58, at the 'Menyemai Kasih Rakyat' (Mekar) programme in Kampung Keting today.
Badrul added that Malaysia does not recognise dual citizenship, and citizenship can be revoked if an individual is proven to hold more than one nationality.
However, JPA currently has no records of individuals with dual citizenship, but action can be taken upon receiving a complaint in accordance with Articles 24(1) and 24(2) of the Federal Constitution.
He said the process of revoking citizenship is quite complex, as it must go through a committee chaired by an appointed judge, and action is taken only after the individual is found guilty.
Badrul noted that JPA had held discussions with the Thai government on dual citizenship issues, following enhanced border security measures.
