27/02/2026

FRIDAY | FEB 27, 2026

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Malaysians in Iran refuse to return despite govt recalls o Group of 13 asked to sign indemnity letters, says Foreign minister

PETALING JAYA: The issuance of entry permits to foreign nationals would not affect the interests of Malaysians, as approvals are granted only to qualified individuals under strict immigration criteria, the Dewan Rakyat was told yesterday. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said entry permit approvals are guided by the Immigration Order 1963 Schedule for individuals possessing professional qualifications or specific expertise that do not adversely affect local manpower. “With their presence through the entry permit mechanism, their professional expertise provides added value and local talent could learn from them. “Their entry does not undermine local talent, but at the same time contributes to the country’s economic interests. “Based on the guidelines, entry permits must comply with strict criteria that positively contribute to high-impact sectors in our country.” The issue was raised by Tenggara MP Manndzri Nasib, who asked the ministry for an update on the latest status of entry permit reforms and the extent of digital improvements to reduce reliance on manual processes. Saifuddin also said the ministry has imposed a six-month decision deadline for new entry permit applications as part of broader reforms to tighten processing efficiency and reduce opportunities for leakage and abuse of power. “Effective Sept 1, 2025, for all new entry permit applications, the Home Ministry has committed under its client charter that decisions must be made within six months. “Previously, applicants waited without knowing the outcome. Now, within six months, a decision must be made. Applicants could also check their status online.” He added that the ministry has also moved to clear a backlog of applications stretching back more than a decade. “When I assumed office, I found that from 2013 to 2023, there were 19,205 applications pending (approval). “As a result, out of 19,205 applications, 15,081 were approved, representing 78.5%. Those rejected may submit appeals.” He said of the 5,628 appeal cases recorded between 2020 and 2024, about 98% have been resolved following instructions to clear the backlog. The reform also included an adjustment to the eligibility requirement for foreign spouses of Malaysians. “Previously, the spouse of a Malaysian citizen had to fulfil five years of marriage and cohabitation. We have shortened this requirement from five years to three years. “After three years, they (become) eligible to apply for an entry permit.” Saifuddin also said the myIMMs platform, in use since 2013, is being replaced by the National Integrated Immigration System, with procurement completed and implementation underway to reduce manual processes and improve service delivery. – By Faiz Ruzman ‘Entry permit issuance does not undermine local talent’

“We have issued travel advisories twice advising Malaysians not to go there unless absolutely necessary. In the current situation, anything could happen and it would complicate matters for us.” He said Malaysia has taken precautionary steps involving its diplomatic presence in Tehran. “The ministry instructed the families of our embassy staff in Tehran be brought home. A total of 11 family members returned on Jan 18. “On Feb 2, we recalled five officers and the ambassador for consultations.” Recounting last year’s contingency response, Mohamad said Malaysia executed an evacuation involving a lengthy land route. “They had to travel more than 1,200km from Tehran to Ashgabat in Turkmenistan. We requested our counterpart there to grant visa exemptions.”

to return. Some of them do not want to come back.” “We have asked them to sign indemnity letters so they cannot blame the government (for their own choices).” The matter was raised by Ketereh MP Datuk Khlir Mohd Nor, who sought details on the ministry’s assessment of escalating United States-Iran tensions, evacuation planning and the number of Malaysian citizens still in Iran as well as other potentially affected countries. In response, Mohamad said the ministry is monitoring developments, adding that any miscalculation could trigger wider conflict. He highlighted the increased US military build-up in the Persian Gulf and said any disruption to the Strait of Hormuz could choke global oil and gas supplies, with direct and indirect economic repercussions for Malaysia. He also reiterated Putrajaya’s warning regarding non-essential travel to Iran.

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan yesterday told the Dewan Rakyat that a total of 13 Malaysians remain in Iran despite repeated government calls for them to return. He said the ministry has issued multiple advisories and offered assistance but the group chose to stay. “There are 13 individuals, including several students. We have advised them several times

Focus on future of nation: Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on Malaysians to focus on the larger issues shaping the nation’s future and avoid being drawn into divisive matters. He said Malaysia’s strength lies in the unity of its multiracial society, built on mutual respect for cultural and religious differences, which is a foundation for stability and prosperity. “We uphold human values and understand the importance of culture and dignity. This is what we nurture, so that our focus remains on values and economic strength. “Sometimes, we get too caught up in petty issues and forget that if our economy is not strong, if investment does not grow, there would be no hope for our (youth) in terms of jobs and quality education,” he said at the Huazong Chinese New Year 2026 celebration yesterday. Among those present were Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek and Huazong president Datuk Lim Kah Chuan. Meanwhile in a Facebook post, Anwar said the progress of Google’s US$2 billion (RM7.8 billion) investment in Malaysia is advancing strongly and exceeding initial expectations. He shared the information after holding a PETALING JAYA: The Opposition has urged the government to withdraw the Constitution (Amendment) Bill (No. 2) 2026 on the separation of the roles of the attorney-general (AG) and public prosecutor (PP), which is scheduled for a second reading next Monday. Perikatan Nasional (PN) chief whip Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said the proposed amendment merely transfers prosecutorial powers from the AG to the PP without introducing substantive reforms. “This is not a meaningful reform of the law. For years, the Opposition and civil society have argued that the AG’s powers under existing constitutional provisions are too wide and excessive,” he told a press conference at Parliament yesterday. Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Anwar poses for a group photo during the celebration yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

“The investment covers the development and operation of Google’s first data centre and cloud services infrastructure in Malaysia. Once operational, it is expected to generate an economic impact of US$3.2 billion (RM12.4 billion) and create 26,500 jobs by 2030.” In 2024, Google announced its RM9.4 billion investment commitment in Malaysia, which includes the development of its first data centre and a Google Cloud region to meet growing demand for cloud services locally and globally, as well as an AI literacy programme for students and educators in the country. – Bernama judicial review. On another matter, Takiyuddin described the Constitution (Amendment) Bill (No. 1) 2026, which seeks to limit the prime minister’s tenure to 10 years, as unconstitutional, saying it would encroach upon the discretionary powers of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and require the consent of the Conference of Rulers. Meanwhile, the bloc also raised concerns over the Education Ministry’s plan to admit six-year-olds into Year One, urging Putrajaya to clarify implementation details or defer the policy by two years. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said had on Monday announced that the second readings of both Bills would be tabled at next week’s Dewan Rakyat sitting.

video conference yesterday with Alphabet and Google president and chief investment officer Ruth Porat and her team. “I assured them that the government remains consistent in facilitating and supporting announced investments by the multinational technology corporation,” Anwar said. He added that the investment reflects continued confidence in Malaysia’s digital economy ecosystem and aligns with the aspiration to position the country as a regional hub for secure data flows, cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) innovation. The press conference was attended by opposition MPs from PAS, Bersatu and several independents recently expelled from Bersatu. However, opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, one of the Bersatu leaders recently sacked, was not present. Referring to existing provisions, Takiyuddin said the AG currently holds absolute discretion to institute, conduct or discontinue proceedings in any court other than syariah courts, native courts and courts-martial. He added that under the new amendment, the absolute discretion would simply be transferred to the PP, without adequate checks and balances or accountability mechanisms. He proposed that the separation of powers and the creation of the PP post be referred to a bipartisan special Parliamentary Select Committee. The Opposition also wants prosecutorial decisions to be subject to

Call to withdraw Bill on attorney-general, public prosecutor roles