KOTA KINABALU – Former Sabah chief minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal has cautioned that calls from Malaysians residing in the United States for dual citizenship warrant thorough scrutiny due to its implications to matters like Malaysia’s sovereignty.
The Semporna MP cited national allegiance and legal complications in areas of taxation, immigration and security as primary concerns should dual citizenship be allowed.
“There is the issue of allegiance, where dual citizens may not be fully committed to any one country, neither to their country of origin nor to the new country they apply for citizenship.
“This can lead to a lack of trust from both countries.
“The allegiance issue is closely related to the constitution and legislation within the country.
“Not only at the federal level…but each state in Malaysia also has its own laws and regulations governing various matters.
“For example, ownership of property, assets, the right to conduct business, or how criminal cases are handled, may all vary depending on which state’s laws apply,” he said in a statement here today.
Shafie said this in response to calls from Malaysians residing in the US to Anwar, who was in New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Anwar has noted that the merits of dual citizenship will be deliberated in cabinet.
Shafie also said there is the question of which country should tax dual citizenship holders, and how it will affect job opportunities to locals or exacerbate the brain drain problem in Malaysia due to migration.
“For the time being, temporary visas issued in most countries are sufficient to grant temporary residence for business activities to professionals seeking employment and income.” – The Vibes, September 29, 2023
