The National Registration Department (NRD) has clarified that there is no change in policy and that no automatic action will be taken against MyKad holders with dual citizenship who voluntarily surrender their Malaysian identity cards.
The statement comes after NRD Director-General Datuk Badrul Hisham Alias recently mentioned that the department is considering allowing dual citizenship holders to voluntarily surrender their MyKad without facing legal consequences, aside from the mandatory forfeiture of one of their citizenships.
The NRD stressed that this statement referred to the existing approach under the Federal Constitution, which has long governed dual citizenship matters.
“As a sovereign nation, Malaysia does not recognise dual citizenship. Malaysian citizens who also hold foreign citizenship may voluntarily renounce their Malaysian citizenship, rather than having it revoked under Articles 24, 25, or 26 of the Federal Constitution,” the NRD said.
The clarification was issued after a news clip circulated on social media, allegedly quoting the DG’s statement, but was misinterpreted out of context.
The department further explained that the term “considering recommendations” does not signal a policy change or automatic action. It merely refers to options that may be evaluated in managing citizenship revocation, ensuring the process is prudent, fair, and lawful.
“The NRD wishes to emphasise that no arbitrary action will be taken. Each case will be carefully assessed based on facts, Federal Constitution provisions, and approvals from the relevant authorities,” the department added.
