"We need to consider various factors, especially loyalty to the country, which is the main criteria. It takes time gauge loyalty," said Deputy Home Minister Datuk Wira Abu Seman Yusop when replying to Sim Tong Him (DAP-Kota Melaka) who had asked if the government would consider relaxing the requirements for those who had been staying in the country for a long time.
 
To a supplementary question from Datuk Ismail Kasim (BN-Arau) as to whether the government would take after developing countries in relaxing citizenship requirements to attract professionals to become citizens, Abu Seman said the government welcomes professionals as its citizens.
 
"They will create a positive impact to the country. However, the government does not plan to take former Malaysians who want to reapply to become citizens," he said.
 
Abu Seman said as of Oct 20, a total of 11,573 applications for citizenship was being processed comprising 3,372 Malay applicants, 2,143 Chinese, 1,311 Indians and others (4,747). -- BERNAMA