DNA test only to support citizenship application

DNA test results will not be used as the sole conclusive evidence in granting citizenship, says Deputy Home Minister Datuk Mohd Azis Jamman.

He said DNA test was only to support a citizenship application to confirm the blood relation of an individual and family members especially between a child and their parents or other siblings.

“This is because each (citizenship) application still needs to follow other laws including those related to marriage registration and valid residency status in the federation,” he told Datin Paduka Dr Tan Yee Kew (PH-Wangsa Maju) during Question Time.

Tan had asked the Home Ministry whether it had any intention to use DNA test for citizenship applications.

Azis said the citizenship application status of an individual was determined from the status of the marriage and the citizenship status of the biological parents while the mother was pregnant.

“The method to record citizenship of an individual used by the National Registration Department (JPN) is in line with the provisions of Part III of the Federal Constitution, Citizenship Rules 1964 and all other related clauses governing marriage registration, immigration rules and others,” he said.

He added that the government did not recognise dual citizenship and those with information of Malaysians with such status should lodge a report at JPN.

“The individual will be asked to let go either one,” he told Mohd Salim Mohd Sharif (BN-Jempol) who wanted to know whether the ministry has any information of Malaysians with dual citizenship.