Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail stood by the idea of a Malay language test for citizenship applications, saying it would be more of a casual conversation than a formal interview.
In a press conference, he mentioned how the test is part of a proposed change to the constitution, which is being discussed in Parliament to update how Malaysian citizenship is granted.
“When do you eat ketupat and satay?”
Saifuddin mentioned that language requirements are part of getting citizenship in countries like the UK, US, and Australia, so it makes sense for Malaysia to have the same rule.
He also shared that he personally attended the language interview, explaining that it’s not just a scripted test, but they would show pictures too.
“For example, we show a picture of muruku and ask, ‘What celebration is this for?’ They answer, ‘Deepavali.’ Then we show ketupat and satay and ask, ‘When do you eat this?’ They say, ‘Hari Raya.’ That’s how the language test works,” he explained.
He insists the test wouldn’t be complicated
Saifuddin explained that the national language test would be mandatory for citizenship applicants, with a total score of 8, but applicants would only need 3 or 4 to pass.
He added that the test would be made easier with picture guides and would be trivial. He said it could be as simple as showing an applicant a picture of the Petronas Twin Towers, one of Malaysia’s most iconic buildings, and asking if they knew where it was located.
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