Current Malaysian citizenship laws were set by the Malaysian Constitution in 1964 in response to Malaysian independence from Britain in 1957. Because some of the requirements regarding the Malay language are inconsistently applied, expats looking to become naturalized citizens are often met with disappointment and delays when pursuing the citizenship process. If you wish to become a Malaysian citizen, study the requirements carefully and prepare to devote yourself to Malaysian allegiance in pursuit of the privilege of citizenship.
A child born in Malaysia or outside of Malaysia to Malaysian parents is a Malaysian citizen. If the child has one Malaysian parent and is born in Malaysia, the child is also a citizen. If a child is born outside of Malaysia to one Malaysian parent, he is not a citizen, but may become a permanent resident of Malaysia and later apply for citizenship. In all of these cases, citizenship is conferred by law, but the parents must still register the child at the Malaysian National Registration Office to officially obtain the child's Malaysian citizenship. An "elementary knowledge" of the Malay language is required to obtain citizenship by registration.
Naturalization is the method by which people with no Malay heritage may become citizens. This process requires would-be citizens to live in Malaysia for 10 of the 12 years prior to the application and speak the Malay language. The level of speech and comprehension of Malay is vaguely defined in the constitution, which states applicants should have "adequate knowledge." Besides providing one's own identity and residence documents and proving a knowledge of Malay, an applicant must submit the identity cards of two Malaysians who recommend the applicant for citizenship.
Malaysia does not recognize dual citizens. If a citizen of Malaysia takes on citizenship in another country, her citizenship is revoked by the Malaysian government. Citizenship could also be revoked for Malaysian expats living abroad who have not registered with the Malaysian Embassy, or citizens who work for a foreign government without permission of the Malaysian government.
Malaysian law requires that citizens wishing to voluntarily revoke Malaysian citizenship must complete Form K and submit it to the Malaysian Embassy, along with the person's Malaysian identity card, passport and birth certificate. The birth certificate is later returned when the revocation process is complete.
Manthei, Emily. "Malaysian Citizenship Requirements." Travel Tips - USA Today, https://traveltips.usatoday.com/malaysian-citizenship-requirements-63015.html. Accessed 24 April 2019.