KUALA LUMPUR: The Youth and Sports Ministry does not restrict the use of naturalised athletes in sports beyond football, as long as they meet the necessary legal and sporting requirements.
Its minister, Hannah Yeoh, said there is no issue with the practice, provided the athletes fulfil the eligibility conditions set by their respective national sports associations and have obtained valid Malaysian citizenship through the Home Ministry.
However, she stressed that the inclusion of naturalised athletes must not come at the expense of developing local talent.
“Naturalisation refers to the process of granting citizenship to foreign individuals so they can represent Malaysia in international competitions.
“The aim is to strengthen the national squad and enhance the country’s sporting performance.
“The selection of naturalised athletes is subject to the criteria established by each national sports association (NSA), and this is not a new practice. It has been applied in sports such as weightlifting, diving, shooting, and athletics.
“The International Tennis Federation (ITF) does not object to the use of naturalised players in national teams. The Lawn Tennis Association of Malaysia (LTAM), for example, requires naturalised players to represent the country for a minimum of five years while adhering to all relevant laws and regulations,” she said in a written parliamentary reply.
Yeoh was responding to a question from Kalam Salan (PN–Sabak Bernam), who had asked why naturalised athletes appeared to be used solely in the national football team.
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