Mas Ermieyati Samsudin, a former deputy tourism minister criticised the lax application and approval process which she said could lead to a “dumping of foreigners”.
She also questioned if the Cabinet had discussed and approved the new rules and whether the home ministry had been consulted.
Mas Ermieyati, who is MP for Masjid Tanah, said the Malaysia My 2nd Home programme was initially aimed at attracting foreigners to retire in Malaysia. However, recently revised MM2H requirements allow those 30 years and above to apply for the programme.
She said the change could lead to foreigners competing with Malaysians for jobs, especially among the youth.
If the government intended to attract more younger investors, it was better to introduce a new programme under the investment, trade and industry ministry or to improve the Premium Visa Programme.
She also took issue with the easier path towards permanent resident status for MM2H applicants who obtain a Platinum pass, which requires a fixed deposit of RM5 million, among other conditions.
She said the relaxation of the MM2H requirements and the financial conditions would see a surge in foreigners entering the country.
“And as a sovereign nation, we are responsible to ensure that those who are accorded permanent resident status are thoroughly screened,” she said. “It should not hinge on their fixed deposits,” she said in a Facebook post.
Mas Ermieyati said the normal process to apply for PR status was a lot more comprehensive, including a requirement for applicants to speak Malay, have working experience in Malaysia and hold academic qualifications.
She alleged that children of those holding PR status would be granted Malaysian citizenship automatically, and called it ironic when children born to Malaysian mothers outside the country were unable to obtain citizenship.
“This is discrimination and unfair for our own nationals,” said Mas Ermieyati.
Earlier today, she had come under fire from tourism, arts and culture minister Tiong King Sing over her comments on the participation of Chinese nationals in the MM2H programme.
Tiong said her comments were seditious and disruptive of Malaysia’s racial harmony.
Mas Ermieyati had posted on X (formerly Twitter) that she had heard that Chinese nationals who obtain MM2H passes would be eligible for permanent residence.
Mas Ermieyati said she was bemused by Tiong’s call for her to be investigated for sedition. “There’s no need to be so sensitive and rant when reprimanded. You get triggered so easily,” she said.
She said any improvements to the MM2H programme should not be done at the expense of national interests and the interests of Malaysians.