New Malay Language Proficiency Test Module Introduced for Malaysian Citizenship Applications

Home Ministry and UPM Collaborate to Assess National Language Skills

The Home Ministry (KDN) and Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) have introduced a new Malay language proficiency test module to assess the national language skills of individuals applying for Malaysian citizenship. This initiative aligns with additional requirements introduced in the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2024.

Language Proficiency a Reasonable Criterion

Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail emphasized that the inclusion of language proficiency as a requirement is reasonable, given that the Federal Constitution recognizes Malay as the official language. He pointed out that this approach is not unique to Malaysia, as other countries such as Canada, the United States, Germany, and France also require language proficiency for citizenship applications.

Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2024

The bill seeks to revise Clause (1) of Article 15 of the Federal Constitution regarding citizenship by registration (for spouses and children of citizens). It introduces a provision requiring applicants to demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the Malay language. The bill was passed with the support of 50 senate members through a bloc vote, following debates by 33 senators. Five members were absent.

Government’s Decision on Retroactive Approach

On the government’s decision not to adopt a retroactive approach to the amendments, Saifuddin Nasution explained that KDN had studied best practices from several countries, including Singapore, before finalizing its decision. He emphasized that a forward-looking implementation is the most appropriate for the Malaysian context.

Retroactive Approach Raises Questions

A retroactive approach would raise questions such as how far back should the implementation go and for how many generations. These factors must be carefully considered. However, this decision does not affect the eligibility of children born to Malaysian mothers before the enactment of this law to obtain citizenship.

Conclusion

The introduction of the new Malay language proficiency test module is a significant step towards promoting the national language and ensuring that individuals applying for Malaysian citizenship have a sufficient understanding of the language. The government’s decision to adopt a forward-looking implementation is a reasonable approach, given the complexities involved in implementing a retroactive approach.

FAQs

Q: Why is language proficiency now a requirement for Malaysian citizenship?

A: The Federal Constitution recognizes Malay as the official language, making it reasonable to include language proficiency as an additional criterion.

Q: Is this approach unique to Malaysia?

A: No, other countries such as Canada, the United States, Germany, and France also require language proficiency for citizenship applications.

Q: How will the government implement the new language proficiency test module?

A: The government will adopt a forward-looking implementation, starting from the date of the enactment of the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2024.

Q: Will the decision affect the eligibility of children born to Malaysian mothers before the enactment of this law to obtain citizenship?

A: No, this decision does not affect the eligibility of children born to Malaysian mothers before the enactment of this law to obtain citizenship.