The Home Ministry today refuted allegations that it easily approved citizenship applications for election purposes.

Its deputy minister Lee Chee Leong voiced this out during a news conference in Putrajaya today and said citizenship was awarded based on the existing constitution and not on a whim.

NONE "A foreigner who has been granted permanent resident status can apply to become a Malaysian citizen, but it will not necessarily be approved.

"There is no issue over the granting of citizenship purely for election purposes," he said.

He was commenting on questions from reporters on allegations by PKR leaders that Umno tried to secure citizenship for not less than 2,000 permanent residents in Hulu Selangor to strengthen support for the party in the next election.

The letter dated March 23 which bears an Umno logo is said to be addressed to the home minister.

- Bernama