THE time it takes to process a citizenship application has been slashed from three years to one.

Home Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said this is made possible by the new standard operating procedure drawn up by his ministry after he ordered a review of the old one.

“I understand the difficulties that applicants are forced to face in their daily life, not being citizens.

“It’s because of this that I ordered a review of the SOP to speed up the process, to have better transparency, and for it to be done fairly,” he said at a ceremony to hand over citizenship certificates to 31 “new Malaysians” in Kuching today.

Under the new SOP, he said, guidelines on the handling of applications and consideration for citizenship under Article 15A of the federal constitution are clearer.

The process will accord priority to the welfare of child applicants and the kids of couples applying for citizenship.

“Many of them have lived in this country for a long time. Many were born in this country and have lived here all their lives,” said Muhyiddin.

He stressed that Malaysia does not simply grant citizenship.

“It is granted to those who are truly qualified, after satisfying all the conditions under Part III of the federal constitution, Citizenship Rules 1964, and other relevant laws.”

The length of time an applicant has lived in the country and their Bahasa Malaysia proficiency are among the key factors taken into consideration, he said.

He reiterated that there is no “back door” to gaining citizenship.

When deciding on an application, he said, he is guided and advised by professional officers, “who pore over the application in great detail” before it is handed to him for a final decision.

“I don’t make decisions without my officers’ approvals.” – July 29, 2019.