Malaysia’s Home Affairs Ministry, JPN acknowledge Sultan of Pahang’s concerns over PR & citizenship approvals

The authorities reaffirmed that permanent residency and citizenship are not granted arbitrarily, following concerns raised by the Sultan of Pahang that such decisions go to the heart of national trust, integrity, and sovereignty.

Malaysia's Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN) and the National Registration Department (JPN) have acknowledged concerns raised by the Sultan of Pahang over the granting of permanent resident (PR) status and citizenship to foreigners, stressing that such approvals are not made arbitrarily and are subject to strict legal and security checks.

In recent remarks, His Majesty Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah described the issue as "not just an administrative matter", but one that touches on "trust, integrity, justice and the dignity of a sovereign nation."

"The granting of privileges is not a small matter that can be handled arbitrarily," the Sultan said, adding that citizenship represents a pledge of allegiance to the King and the country, and "the highest trust" a nation can place in an individual.

"Citizenship is not a document, nor a reward that can be bought. It is not a gift of power, nor an easy ticket into the country," His Majesty added.

In a joint statement on Sunday (25 January 2026), KDN and JPN said the Permanent Resident Identification Card (MyPR) is issued only to non-citizens who have been formally granted permanent resident status, allowing them to reside and work legally in Malaysia. As of 31 December 2025, a total of 261,156 MyPR holders were recorded nationwide.

The statement said MyPR applications are primarily governed by the requirement for a valid Entry Permit issued by the Malaysian Immigration Department (JIM), with approvals subject entirely to the criteria and assessments set by the department. Integrated cross-checks between JPN and JIM are conducted to verify the authenticity and validity of Entry Permits and the eligibility of applicants.

Applications are also reviewed by an Approval Consideration Committee Panel, which convenes periodically. Authorities stressed that each case is scrutinised carefully, and that MyPR status and identity cards may be withdrawn if a holder is found to be involved in offences that threaten security, public order, or national interests.

On citizenship matters, KDN and JPN reiterated that Malaysian citizenship is the highest award and an exclusive right of the Federal Government. All applications are processed in accordance with Part III of the Federal Constitution and the Citizenship Rules 1964, with due consideration given to national interest, security, and the welfare of existing citizens.

JPN said it remains committed to ensuring that all applications for permanent residence and citizenship are handled transparently, systematically, and in line with existing laws, including those governing marriage registration, adoption, child legitimacy, and immigration.

The government bodies added that they appreciated the advice and concerns expressed by the Sultan of Pahang, and reaffirmed that officers would continue to carry out their duties with integrity and responsibility as entrusted.

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