Klang MP to Home Ministry: Explain UK-born footballer's M'sian citizenship

Klang MP Charles Santiago has urged the Home Ministry to clarify the process behind the naturalisation of UK-born footballer Lee Tuck as a Malaysian citizen.

In a letter sent to the ministry this morning, Charles asked for the process applied in the matter, and whether Tuck (above) fulfilled Article 19 of the Federal Constitution which stipulates that an applicant must have resided in the federation for a period of at least 10 years before applying for citizenship.

"How long did it take to complete the naturalisation process for Tuck, and how was the process made easier for him?

"Also, what is stopping the Home Ministry from expediting or loosening similar restrictions for Malaysians who are facing documentation issues?" Charles asked.

He further urged the ministry to clarify the questions asked to clear doubts raised after the news on Tuck's citizenship broke.

Last week, Tuck, who is a Sri Pahang FC midfielder, announced that he is now a naturalised Malaysian citizen.

The 34-year-old thanked his family and friends, as well as Sri Pahang owner Tengku Abdul Rahman Sultan Ahmad Shah, for supporting him throughout the naturalisation process.

Tuck first joined Negeri Sembilan in the Malaysia League (M-League) in 2017, before moving to Terengganu FC in 2018. He joined Sri Pahang FC last season.

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