[UPDATED] Cabinet to deliberate over merits of dual citizenship: Anwar

NEW YORK – The cabinet will deliberate the issue of whether to introduce dual citizenship for Malaysians who have settled overseas following requests made to the prime minister during his visit to the US last week.

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, however, acknowledged that it would be difficult to amend the current policy, which stipulates only single citizenship.

He said that the discussion will nevertheless be held due to appeals by those who seek easier access to return to Malaysia to serve.

“It’s a very tough issue and contentious also. Not many countries actually give dual citizenships – for the right reasons.

“If you are committed to serve and love a country, then you have the right to one citizenship.

“But since they want us to discuss, I see no harm,” he told Malaysian journalists after a “Temu Anwar” (meet Anwar) dinner event for the Malaysian diaspora in the US held at the Hilton Midtown hotel here on Friday.

Anwar was in New York last week to attend the United Nations general assembly.

During the question session, several attendees had asked Anwar to consider formalising dual citizenship, and also ensure ease of access for them to do business back in Malaysia.

Anwar said he has asked Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir to come up with some views on the matter so that the cabinet can deliberate further.

One important issue in relation to this is to enable those who want to return to Malaysia to contribute to the country to be able to do so without undue hassle.

“I will not tolerate these undue bureaucratic rules that will hamper their coming back,” Anwar said.

“It’s heartening and very encouraging to see people who have stayed here for decades show so much love, affection and loyalty to the country.

“I think this is something that we Malaysians should be proud of,” Anwar said.

“They have their own priorities and decisions in terms of their businesses or families or whatever.

“But almost, without exception, they are committed to serve their country. That’s why I suggested that you come back and serve, and we will facilitate whatever approvals are necessary.”

He added that those who continue to live overseas need to function as ambassadors for Malaysia, which would include promoting and encouraging investments and tourism for the country.

Competitive investment scenario

Anwar also stressed that the government faces a challenge ensuring that approvals granted for foreign investments to Malaysia are implemented on a fast-track basis.

He said that he will assign the relevant ministers to make sure this is done, whether for investments or tourism, including allowing multiple-entry visas.

He said one or two companies that he had met in the US have given feedback that they still faced some delays in receiving their formal approvals.

“I was very disappointed when I heard that because we have given clear instructions,” Anwar said. “We cannot delay because we are living in a very competitive period and competitive world.”

“You delay by six months, then another country can approve in two months and we lose out.”

Lamenting that the country risks missing out on important investments due to lackadaisical attitudes, he said the leadership will continue to monitor the situation.

He also credited the staff and machineries within the various ministries for working hard to make sure projects and policies are implemented.

“There are umpteen people who are working round the clock to make sure things work out,” he said. – The Vibes, September 24, 2023