Citizenship is not merely a birth right but a responsibility towards the nation. It requires the holder to be loyal and to accept and discharge duties and responsibilities that indicate allegiance to the country of birth.
Citizenship is both a right and a privilege.
One becomes a citizen by operation of law if born to one or both local parents. It becomes a privilege when citizenship is acquired through naturalisation after fulfilling stipulated conditions such as length of stay, language proficiency, allegiance and good behaviour.
Some countries offer citizenship to attract foreign professionals who can contribute to national development and enrichment. Others allow dual citizenship, as in the United States. Malaysia, however, does not recognise dual citizenship.
With the exception of Malaysia, citizens of most countries are fluent in their national language, and applicants for naturalisation are required to demonstrate language proficiency.
In Malaysia, however, many citizens cannot speak or write Malay, an outcome shaped by historical circumstances and the existence of vernacular education streams.
In addition, many Malaysians have not fully acculturated into the national socio-cultural matrix. Assimilation does not mean discarding one’s cultural heritage or beliefs. Rather, it refers to adopting a mental attitude aligned with national norms, values and aspirations as articulated in the Rukun Negara and the framework of national integration, which many Malaysians take for granted or remain unaware of.
Citizens often feel entitled and expect the state to ensure their wellbeing. Citizenship, however, is not a one-way relationship. Citizens must also contribute to the pride, stability and wellbeing of the nation.
Allegiance is expressed through efforts at integration, including the use of a common language and participation in national service. National service should not be confined to military duties alone, but extended to socio-cultural engagement through non-governmental organisations, sports, cultural activities, welfare initiatives and charitable work.
Yet many citizens limit their contributions to family and employment, leaving the state to provide security, infrastructure and amenities. When shortcomings arise, blame is often directed at the authorities.
Such attitudes do little to advance national development or integration, and instead foster constant dissatisfaction.
While citizenship is a valued asset, many individuals voluntarily renounce it in pursuit of perceived better opportunities elsewhere.
Official figures show that more than 60,000 Malaysians have renounced their citizenship over the past five years. Nearly 94 per cent migrated to Singapore, drawn by its stronger currency and employment prospects.
However, higher incomes may be offset by factors such as cost of living, quality of life and limits on freedom of expression.
The United States, for example, was once a preferred destination due to its reputation for equal opportunity and constitutional protection regardless of race, creed or ethnicity.
Today, however, the situation has changed. The Trump administration has been accused of terrorising and prosecuting people of colour, whether citizens or lawful residents. Even white citizens have raised concerns about violations of constitutional rights, with reports of arbitrary detention, deportation and disregard for legal documentation.
Malaysia presents a contrasting reality. Citizens generally feel safe and protected by the rule of law and constitutional guarantees. Proof of citizenship is rarely required in daily life, except for official transactions or access to citizen-only subsidies.
Even non-citizens enjoy protection under Malaysian law.
There is no restriction on those who choose to renounce their citizenship, but many later discover that life abroad may entail being treated as second-class or immigrant citizens.
A Malay proverb captures this sentiment well: Hujan emas di negeri orang, hujan batu di negeri sendiri, baik lagi negeri sendiri — it may rain gold elsewhere and stones at home, but home remains better.
Citizenship therefore begets responsibility. It should embody a synergy between the people and the authorities, where citizens have both the moral right and duty to provide checks and balances and ensure accountability in governance.
This underscores the need for well-informed and loyal citizens who actively contribute to the wellbeing of the nation and its people.
The views expressed here are the personal opinion of the writer and do not necessarily represent that of Twentytwo13.
Main image: National Registration Department, Malaysia.
