KUALA LUMPUR: Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail denied claims that Malaysia had granted citizenship in bulk to 1.2 million Chinese nationals.
In his winding-up speech on the 2025 Supply Bill in Dewan Rakyat today, Saifuddin described the claims as a highly damaging and unfounded accusation.
He said the number of Chinese nationals granted citizenship under the provisions of Article 15(1) of the Federal Constitution stood at 103 individuals.
"Only 103 individuals, not 1.2 million (as claimed). The citizenship was granted under Category 19(1), where a foreign husband marries a local woman, and Category 15(1) where a foreign wife marries a local man. Under 19(1), we have granted citizenship to 100 individuals. That is the figure since 2013," he said.
Saifuddin said the 1.2 million figure appeared when Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin was the home minister.
"When Larut (Hamzah) was the home minister, he responded to a question from Tasik Gelugor at that time. The question mentioned the 1.2 million and it was recorded in the (parliament) Hansard. That's how it all started — it's part of an old legacy.
"This 1.2 million... Pagoh (Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin) and Larut (Hamzah) also mentioned that it was not true. The individuals (Chinese nationals) who entered here did so with various types of permits—such as professional passes, student passes, long-term passes... all kinds of passes that are allowed under the Immigration Act.
"The same act that I am enforcing today as the home minister," he said.
Meanwhile, Saifuddin said a total of 182 investigation papers have been opened into cases involving insults on religion, race, and the royal institution (3R).
He said the figure refers to the period since Bukit Aman established a special team in March last year to investigate cases related to the 3R issues.
"A total of 182 investigation papers were opened, with 138 cases completed and 44 still under investigation."