EAIC flags irregularities in citizenship approvals for seven naturalised footballers
The Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) in Malaysia has identified irregularities in the citizenship approval process for seven naturalized footballers. The investigation highlighted concerns regarding the speed and security screening procedures used by the National Registration Department and Immigration Department.
Why it matters
This case raises questions about governance, transparency, and the integrity of naturalization processes in the context of national sports programs.
PUTRAJAYA: The Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) has uncovered irregularities in the approval process for Malaysian citizenship granted to seven heritage footballers, following an investigation into a complaint against the National Registration Department (NRD).
The commission said it had set up a special task force under Section 17 of the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission Act 2009 to probe the matter.
"The investigation involved both the NRD and the Immigration Department, which are agencies under the Home Ministry responsible for processing and approving permanent residency and citizenship applications through naturalisation.
"The task force had examined various documents related to the seven players, including from the NRD and the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM).
"It also recorded statements from 15 officers under investigation from various agencies and five members of the public, while reviewing relevant laws, regulations and circulars," the commission said in a statement on Friday (July 10).
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