Malaysia

Home Minister refutes claims of irregular citizenship approvals

Saifuddin strongly refutes allegations that he granted citizenship to Chinese nationals arbitrarily, describing the claims as defamatory, politically motivated and designed to inflame public sentiment

Updated 1 month ago · Published on 13 May 2026 11:47AM

Home Minister refutes claims of irregular citizenship approvals
Saifuddin calls allegations malicious and misleading while stressing that all applications are processed strictly under the Federal Constitution and security procedures - May 13, 2026

HOME Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has rejected allegations that he had arbitrarily granted Malaysian citizenship to Chinese nationals, describing the claims as baseless, malicious and intended to mislead the public and stir public sentiment.

He said the approval process for citizenship applications is strictly governed by the Federal Constitution, relevant laws and rigorous security vetting procedures, and cannot be carried out arbitrarily or to serve any political agenda.

“Throughout my tenure as Home Minister, I have explained these facts, along with complete data, several times in Parliament and during media sessions,” he said in a Facebook post today.

“However, this poster containing slander and elements related to 3R (religion, race and royalty) has re-emerged and gone viral again after my earlier denial of the same issue in March last year,” he added.

Saifuddin urged the public not to be easily influenced by false narratives and to verify information through official and credible sources.

He said the spread of misinformation and defamatory content was not only irresponsible but could also undermine national harmony and security.

“I call on irresponsible parties spreading this slander and false news to immediately stop such immoral actions and to support the MADANI Government’s efforts in addressing current challenges, including the global supply crisis affecting the people and the nation,” he said.

He further stressed that all parties must act responsibly in sharing information and prioritise national stability, unity and public wellbeing.

“This is not the time to create anxiety, play up sentiments or burden the people further with baseless slander and propaganda while they are facing cost-of-living pressures and global economic uncertainty,” he said. - May 13, 2026

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