KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 – The granting of citizenship to foreign athletes through naturalisation process is not done automatically, but is subject to the Federal Constitution and strict conditions.

Deputy Home Minister, Datuk Seri Dr. Shamsul Anuar Nasarah stressed that the process was carried out carefully by taking into account national interest as a whole, including assessing the merits and significant contributions of athletes to Malaysia.

“The granting of citizenship is not solely dependent on the needs of sports, but is subject to full compliance with the conditions and criteria set in the Federal Constitution.

"Although athletes have the potential to contribute to the country's sports achievements, if they do not meet the conditions, their applications will not be considered," he said at the Dewan Negara today.

He also dismissed claims that the naturalisation process was done easily, instead stressing that the granting of citizenship status is the highest bestowal that is not given arbitrarily.

“The Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN) always processes citizenship applications based on the constitution and the conditions set. "The granting of citizenship is something of great value, therefore the Ministry of Home Affairs is very thorough and cautious in every decision," he explained.

He said this when answering a question from Senator Datuk Setia Salehuddin Saidin regarding the criteria for granting Malaysian citizen status to foreign footballers.