KUALA LUMPUR: A Malaysian mother's permanent resident (PR) status in another country will be taken into account in the citizenship application for overseas-born children.
The Home Ministry, in a written Parliamentary reply, said each citizenship application must undergo a comprehensive review from all aspects, particularly those involving public interest.
"Even if the mother does not intend to acquire foreign citizenship, her PR status in another country is a factor that needs to be carefully assessed, taking into account the intention to reside long term in that country and aspects of loyalty to Malaysia, which are crucial in evaluating the citizenship application.
"However, the Home Ministry has taken the initiative to facilitate the assessment criteria for citizenship applications under this category.
"If there is evidence that they have returned to reside in Malaysia, the application may be considered for approval, subject to applicable laws and regulations," the ministry said, in response to a question from Syerleena Abdul Rashid (Pakatan Harapan-Bukit Bendera).
She had asked the ministry to explain why Malaysian mothers with PR status abroad had their citizenship applications for their overseas-born children under Article 15(2) rejected, even though they were unwilling to take foreign citizenship and had intended to return to Malaysia.
The ministry said applications for Malaysian citizenship under Article 15(2) of the Federal Constitution must meet the requirements specified in Part III of the Federal Constitution, the Citizenship Rules of 1964, as well as relevant legislation in force regarding matters such as marriage registration, adoption, child legitimisation and immigration regulations.