Karim was responding to the directive from the tourism, arts and culture ministry for all licensed agents to cease handling MM2H applications, including in Sabah and Sarawak, which was reported by The Star yesterday.

“(This matter) should be discussed nicely, and not be about one party (the tourism ministry) bulldozing the rights (of MM2H),” he told reporters.

He also said Sarawak would take matters into its own hands by chairing MM2H-related meetings.

Meanwhile, The Star reported Sabah tourism, culture and environment minister Christina Liew as saying Sabah will consider proceeding with its own MM2H programme, regardless of the federal government’s decision.

Liew said the state had delayed its plans to launch the programme by June 1 due to the May 27 circular.

“After this circular, we requested a review of Motac’s decision to suspend the operations of licensed agents, especially Sabah agents, some of whom still hold valid licences approved and issued by the federal tourism, arts and culture ministry.

“Failing this, my ministry will appoint and authorise state representatives to process applications for the Sabah-MM2H programme,” she said.

On April 20, Bernama reported Karim as saying that MM2H programme agents in Sarawak were unable to renew their business licences.

He said without these licences, the agents could not accept applications from interested people worldwide who wanted to make Sarawak their second home.