Lawyer slams 'improbable' heritage citizenship for footballers

Lawyer slams 'improbable' heritage citizenship for footballers

Yiswaree Palansamy
Published: Oct 1, 2025 6:30 AM
Updated: 8:30 AM



Summary

• A lawyer argues that Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail’s claim that seven foreign-born footballers qualified for citizenship under Article 19 of the Federal Constitution due to ancestral links is invalid.

• Eric Paulsen claims that the players did not meet the strict residency, character, and language requirements outlined in Article 19.

A human rights lawyer has questioned the legality of the naturalisation process that saw seven foreign-born footballers from Argentina, Brazil and Spain granted Malaysian citizenship.

Eric Paulsen claimed that Home Minister Safuddin Nasution Ismail's recent justification that the players were eligible under Article 19 of the Federal Constitution because of ancestral links to Malaysia does not stand up to scrutiny.

"The home minister claimed that the seven so-called heritage players were naturalised properly via Article 19 of the Federal Constitution.

"He further explained that under this provision, those who are connected to the country through ‘their family lineage, whether through their father, mother, grandfather, grandmother, or ancestors… with a connection, having lived there… originating from Malaysia’.

“Such a take, acquiring citizenship through lineage for those whose forefathers were born or were permanent residents in the territory that is now Malaysia, is not found in Article 19," Paulsen told Malaysiakini.

Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail


The lawyer pointed out that Article 19 sets out strict conditions for naturalisation - the applicant must have resided in Malaysia for at least 10 years, be of good character, and demonstrate adequate knowledge of the Malay language.

"These are the pre-conditions to applying for naturalisation. The seven players from Argentina, Brazil and Spain who until recently have not resided in the country could not have satisfied the period of residence requirement," he added.

Paulsen stressed that the residence requirement is clear and unambiguous, with no room or provision for Saifuddin to grant an exemption or improvise.

Document scandal

On Sept 26, the International Federation of Association Football (Fifa) announced that it had imposed sanctions against the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and seven players for breaches of Article 22 of the Fifa Disciplinary Code on forgery and falsification.

Fifa said FAM had submitted falsified documents to confirm the players’ eligibility, enabling them to feature in the third round of the 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers against Vietnam on June 10.

Fifa also determined that FAM must pay a fine of 350,000 Swiss francs (RM1.9 million), while each of the seven players was also slapped with a 2,000 Swiss francs (RM10,500) fine.

The players, Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, Facundo Tomas Garces, Rodrigo Julian Holgado, Imanol Javier Machuca, Joao Vitor Brandao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal Iraurgui, and Hector Alejandro Hevel Serrano, were also hit with a 12-month suspension from all football-related activities.

FAM acting president Yusoff Mahadi said he would file an appeal.

On Sept 29, Bernama reported FAM secretary-general Noor Azman Rahman saying that a technical error was identified in the document submission process for the players. The nature of the so-called error has not been made public.

This prompted DAP legal bureau chairperson Ramkarpal Singh to urge FAM to disclose the technical mistake that led to the Fifa fines.

‘Won't intervene, no info on players’

In January this year, Yusoff, who was then FAM deputy president, was reported as saying that the organisation is not intervening in matters concerning the recruitment of new heritage players in the effort to strengthen Malaysia’s national football team, the Harimau Malaya squad.

On Jan 21, Berita Harian reported him saying that the responsibility for recruiting the heritage players rests entirely with the new management of the national squad.

Yusoff was also reported as saying that FAM - at that time - had no information regarding the recruitment of the players, but believed that the relevant parties were actively pursuing the effort.

FAM acting president Yusoff Mahadi


"FAM leaves it to the new Harimau Malaya management to identify and recruit heritage players to further strengthen the squad.

"FAM will assist with documentation and a few other matters. Most importantly, it is to ensure that the Harimau Malaya squad is capable of achieving success in the upcoming tournament," he was quoted as saying.

Last week, Harimau Malaya CEO Robert Douglas Friend expressed his shock at Fifa's sanctions and fines on seven of the team's players. He also called the incident a "defining moment" for Malaysian football.

Friend added that the "national team stands firmly behind the appeal process."

'National and international scandal'

Labelling the episode “a national and international scandal”, Paulsen said the authorities must explain how improbable claims of ancestry were accepted without question.

"What sort of cogent evidence was provided to support these improbable claims that convinced the authorities to fast-track not one, but seven foreign players through the naturalisation process, which usually take many years to complete due to the onerous requirements, including adequate knowledge of the Malay language?" he further questioned.

He also urged the Home Ministry, the National Registration Department, FAM, and all parties involved to be transparent.

"There are no shortcuts in life and in football. Better to emulate the likes of Japan and South Korea and work with grassroots football with a long-term plan rather than such quick and too-good-to-be-true schemes," Paulsen added.

Critics have previously questioned why footballers could get citizenship while the process seemed difficult for the stateless who were born in the country to at least one Malaysian parent.

‘No political will’: Rafizi’s credibility on subsidies questioned by analysts

Rafizi’s renewed push for targeted fuel subsidies has sparked criticism from analysts, who say his own record in office showed little political will or delivery on similar reforms. - Scoop file pic, October 1, 2025
NEWS


‘No political will’: Rafizi’s credibility on subsidies questioned by analysts


Former economy minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli’s fresh push for targeted fuel subsidies has drawn scrutiny, with analysts noting that he failed to deliver similar reforms during his time in office



Sandru Narayanan
Updated 7 hours ago
1 October, 2025
8:00 AM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR – Political analysts have questioned former economy minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli’s credibility over his renewed calls for targeted fuel subsidies, pointing out that he failed to implement the very reforms he now advocates when he was in government.

Their remarks came after Rafizi warned that without targeted subsidies, the country’s top 20% income earners (T20) would continue to enjoy disproportionately higher benefits than the bottom 40% (B40), claiming that for every ringgit spent on RON95 subsidies, T20 households receive 75% more benefit than B40 households.

He also stressed that subsidy retargeting is crucial to protect government finances and ensure fairer distribution.

Speaking to Scoop, Universiti Malaya political analyst Awang Azman Pawi said Rafizi’s current stance has raised questions about his credibility, given his limited success in delivering subsidy reforms during his time in office.

“Rafizi repeatedly stressed the importance of subsidy rationalisation but made little tangible progress, focusing more on rhetoric and the use of ‘big data’ to identify eligible groups,” he said when contacted.

“Technical reasons – such as the need for coordination with other ministries – are insufficient excuses because the Economy Minister holds coordinating authority.

“This has led to the perception that he lacked the political will to deliver on the agenda he championed. Criticising and proposing simple formulas is far easier than putting those ideas into realistic practice.”

Awang Azman Pawi. – UM pic, October 1, 2025


Awang Azman warned that Rafizi’s renewed focus could also undermine public trust.

“People may begin to ask why he is talking about targeted subsidies only after leaving the government. This could damage his credibility and cast doubt on the government’s seriousness in carrying out reforms,” he said.

He noted that subsidy rationalisation remains bogged down by major political and structural obstacles, including populist resistance to price hikes, inconsistent household data, weak inter-agency coordination, and pressure from powerful industry groups.

“Targeted subsidies can be implemented, but the process is highly complex. Without a comprehensive database and proper verification mechanisms, the system risks being seen as unfair — overburdening the M40 while leaving vulnerable groups behind,” he added.

Meanwhile, Dr Azmi Hassan from the Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research said the current Budi95 targeted subsidy system, set to take effect on September 27, was not formulated under Rafizi’s watch, as he had previously handed over the RON95 subsidy rationalisation process to the Finance Ministry.

Azmi said the government’s decision to cap subsidised petrol at 300 litres per month aims to ensure that 99 per cent of users continue to benefit while reducing leakages.

The cap, he added, is flexible and could be lowered — for example, to 140 litres — to cover about 95 per cent of vehicle owners if necessary.

“Criticism alone is not enough. Those who highlight flaws must also propose solutions. Beyond the 300-litre cap, what are the best measures to prevent misuse by those who do not consume their full allocation?” he said.

Azmi also called for clear justifications before granting exemptions to e-hailing drivers, suggesting they should provide proof, such as mileage records, to justify higher fuel usage.

James Chin. – University of Tasmania pic, October 1, 2025


Political analyst James Chin from the University of Tasmania, meanwhile, cautioned that the success of the new subsidy system will depend heavily on Malaysia’s digital infrastructure, especially in rural areas where real-time data transfer remains a challenge.

“Most people understand where the government is coming from and will wait to see if the system works. There will likely be problems in rural regions, but this is a good start, and the system can be improved over time,” Chin said.

He added that previous administrations were often too politically afraid to attempt subsidy reforms, but the current initiative signals a willingness to make bold decisions in the interest of long-term sustainability.

“The renewed debate, triggered by Rafizi’s remarks, underscores the political and structural complexities behind subsidy reform — and raises questions over whether the current government can muster the political will that Rafizi himself did not demonstrate while in office,” Chin added.

It was reported that Rafizi, during his tenure, had handed over responsibility for the RON95 subsidy rationalisation to the Finance Ministry, even though overseeing such reforms also falls within the scope of the Economy Minister.

It is also worth noting that during his tenure as economy minister, Rafizi Ramli failed to deliver on two flagship initiatives that were billed as game-changers for Malaysia’s socioeconomic landscape — the Central Database Hub (PADU) and the Inisiatif Pendapatan Rakyat (IPR).

PADU was envisioned as a comprehensive national database to streamline the distribution of subsidies and welfare aid, ensuring that assistance reached the right households without leakage or duplication. Meanwhile, IPR was introduced as a mechanism to boost the incomes of low-income households by linking them with sustainable economic opportunities, rather than short-term aid.

Both programmes were launched with much fanfare and positioned as critical pillars of the government’s effort to ease the burden of the B40 group.

However, Rafizi’s ministry struggled to move beyond the planning and pilot stages, leaving the initiatives incomplete by the time he left office.— October 1, 2025

No, Malays could not fly: Scholars call out pseudohistory

Historians have denounced Prof Solehah’s claims that ancient Malays could fly and taught the Chinese “flying kung fu.” — Screengrab, October 1, 2025
NEWS


No, Malays could not fly: Scholars call out pseudohistory


UPSI and DBP academics urge discipline in handling history after Prof Solehah’s claims of Malays teaching China ‘flying kung fu’



Sandru Narayanan
Updated 3 hours ago
1 October, 2025
12:00 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR – Historians and academics have poured cold water on recent claims that ancient Malays could fly and even taught the Chinese the art of “flying kung fu,” calling such statements illogical and damaging to historical understanding.

Dr Sahul Hamid Mohamed Maiddin, a Faculty of Human Sciences lecturer at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), stressed that history must be grounded on verifiable evidence, not myths or fantastical tales.

His remarks came after Professor Solehah Yaacob, a lecturer in Arabic language and literature at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), claimed in a Gabungan Nasionalis podcast that ancient Malays possessed supernatural abilities, including flight, and shared these skills with the Chinese.

“Such claims are simply not logical. History must be based on sources that can be cross-verified. Myths, on the other hand, are folk stories infused with imagination, romanticism and superstition,” Sahul told Scoop.

He emphasised the need to distinguish between myth and history.

“Myths or legends exist in many societies as a form of entertainment or inspiration. But history is about real events that truly happened — events that can be proven and whose authenticity can be defended,” he said.

Sahul warned that the unchecked spread of myths could weaken society, citing the colonial era as an example.

“The British, for instance, did not teach proper historical discipline to their colonies. Instead, they introduced tales and legends so that the people would remain lost in dreams and fantasies. This is a form of escapism,” he explained.

He described the distortion of history — or pseudohistory — as dangerous.

“Pseudohistory is false history built on fabricated stories and imagination, compiled from unreliable materials and conclusions drawn carelessly without the necessary skills to sort and evaluate information,” he said.

The consequences, Sahul added, could be severe.

“As a nation, we risk being humiliated by the academic community when such claims are debunked — as happened when a UPM paper on the ‘jong’ was criticised by French historian Serge Jardin.

“For the younger generation, we risk producing individuals who are vulnerable and gullible, those who believe anything without evidence. This is the long-term damage we are witnessing today, especially on social media,” he warned.

Meanwhile, Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) Board of Governors chairman Professor Datuk Seri Dr Md Salleh Yaapar urged Solehah to avoid exaggeration when discussing history.

He acknowledged that Malays had ties with ancient China, particularly during the Tang Dynasty from 618 to 907 AD, through trade and shipbuilding.

“In fact, early Chinese literature from that period cites that Malays were present in the royal courts during the Tang Dynasty,” he said.

“But the so-called ‘ability to fly’ refers to the Malays’ distinctive flying kick in pencak silat, which some fighters demonstrated in imperial courts. It does not mean they were literally able to fly.

“It is not right for Solehah to misinterpret something factual and mislead the public. I understand she champions the greatness of the Malays, but she must do so properly — without exaggeration, without taking things out of context, and without distorting facts,” Salleh added. — October 1, 2025

***

Aiseh wait a minute lah 'coz I like her bullshitology 😂😂😂 Being a martial arts fan I admit sometimes I do dream of flying across rooftop to rooftop (with a sword on my back) visiting many sweethearts of my fantasies 😂😂😂 so pluz don't be spoilsports lah

US government shutdown begins as partisan division rules Washington

FMT:

US government shutdown begins as partisan division rules Washington


The shutdown has halted critical economic data releases and affected federal workers, with analysts warning it could last longer than previous closures

A view of the US Capitol Building at Washington, DC, where the Senate rejected short-term spending measure in a last-ditch effort to avert a shutdown. (EPA Images pic)

WASHINGTON: The U.S. government shut down much of its operations on Wednesday as deep partisan divisions prevented Congress and the White House from reaching a funding deal, setting off what could be a long, grueling standoff that could lead to the loss of thousands of federal jobs.

There was no clear path out of the impasse, while agencies warned that the 15th government shutdown since 1981 would halt the release of a closely watched September employment report, slow air travel, suspend scientific research, withhold pay from U.S. troops and lead to the furlough of 750,000 federal workers at a daily cost of $400 million.

Trump, whose campaign to radically reshape the federal government is already on track to push out some 300,000 workers by December, warned congressional Democrats that a shutdown could clear the path for “irreversible” actions including cutting more jobs and programs.


The shutdown commenced hours after the Senate rejected a short-term spending measure that would have kept government operations afloat through Nov 21. Democrats opposed the legislation over Republicans’ refusal to attach an extension of health benefits for millions of Americans that are due to expire at the end of the year. Republicans say the issue must be addressed separately.

At issue on the government funding front is US$1.7 trillion for agency operations, which amounts to roughly one-quarter of the government’s total US$7 trillion budget. Much of the remainder goes to health and retirement programs and interest payments on the growing US$37.5 trillion debt.

Independent analysts warn the shutdown could last longer than the budget-related closures of the past, with Trump and White House officials threatening to punish Democrats with cuts to government programs and the federal payroll. Trump budget director Russell Vought, who has called for “less bipartisan” appropriations, threatened permanent layoffs last week in the event of a shutdown.

Record dates to first Trump term

The longest government shutdown in U.S. history stretched over 35 days during December 2018 and January 2019 during Trump’s first term in office, in a dispute over border security.

“All they want to do is try to bully us. And they’re not going to succeed,” Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said in a floor speech a day after a White House meeting with Trump and other congressional leaders that ended with the two parties far apart.


Senate Majority Leader John Thune described the failed short-term spending bill as a “nonpartisan” measure devoid of partisan policy riders that Democrats have had no problem accepting in years past.

“What’s changed is, President Trump is in the White House. That’s what this is about. This is politics. And there isn’t any substantive reason why there ought to be a government shutdown,” the South Dakota Republican told reporters.

Trump’s Republicans hold majorities in both chambers of Congress, but legislative rules require 60 of the 100 senators to agree on spending legislation. That means that at least seven Democrats are needed to pass a funding bill.

Democrats focus on healthcare funding

Democrats are under pressure from their frustrated supporters to score a rare victory ahead of the 2026 midterm elections that will determine control of Congress for the final two years of Trump’s term.

The healthcare push has given them a chance to unite behind an issue that resonates with voters.

Along with the extended health subsidies, Democrats have also sought to ensure that Trump will not be able to undo those changes if they are signed into law. Trump has refused to spend billions of dollars approved by Congress, prompting some Democrats to question why they should vote for any spending legislation at all.

University of Chicago professor Robert Pape said the unusually polarized U.S. political climate in the aftermath of conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s assassination and the growing power on the extreme wings of both parties could make it harder for party leaders to agree on a deal to reopen the government.

“The rules of politics are radically changing and we can’t know for sure where all of this is going to end,” said University of Chicago political science professor Robert Pape, who studies political violence.

“Each side would have to backtrack against tens of millions of truly aggressive supporters, their own constituents, which is going to be really hard for them to do,” he said.

Before the shutdown, Trump reached out to his own supporters with a deepfake video showing manipulated images of Schumer appearing to criticize Democrats while top House Democrat Hakeem Jeffries stood next to him, with a crudely drawn sombrero and mustache imposed over his face.

“It was childish. It was petty,” Schumer told reporters. “It’s something that a 5-year-old would do, not a president of the United States. But it shows how unserious they are. They don’t give a damn about the harm they will cause with their shutdown.”

Lufthansa faces strike threat as pilots back industrial action in pension dispute

Lufthansa faces strike threat as pilots back industrial action in pension dispute



Lufthansa planes stand parked as Frankfurt airport is closed to passengers with planned departures due to a strike organised by Verdi union, in Frankfurt, Germany, March 7, 2024. — Reuters pic

Tuesday, 30 Sep 2025 7:48 PM MYT


FRANKFURT, Sept 30 — Lufthansa could face a strike at its main airline after pilots’ union VC today said its members voted in favour of a walkout in a dispute over pensions.

The vote is the union’s last attempt to escalate pressure on Lufthansa to agree to a better deal for pilots and comes only a day after the airline group held its capital markets day, presenting its plan to become more efficient.

The airline has pushed back on deeper pension changes and threatened to move more jobs to its cheaper subsidiaries, Discover and City Airlines.

VC, or Vereinigung Cockpit, said in a statement that a vast majority of members voted for a strike, but gave no timeline for the proposed industrial action.


Still, it opens the door to more costly and disruptive labour action for Lufthansa, which has already faced several labour challenges over recent years as it struggles to cut costs and pursue growth.


Yesterday, it unveiled plans to cut 4,000 administrative jobs by 2030 and set higher profitability targets. — Reuters

The picture of Amanda Malaysia needs to see

FMT:

The picture of Amanda Malaysia needs to see


2 hours ago
Frankie D'Cruz


Once frail and breathless, Amanda Mei Chu now walks, her recovery a testament to resilience and care

From frailty to resilience, Amanda takes confident steps during her recovery at Sungai Buloh Hospital. (Dominic Damian pic)

PETALING JAYA: This is Amanda Mei Chu, 29, walking where once she was wheeled.

Just 32 days ago, she was taken to Sungai Buloh Hospital frail, breathless and weighing only 22kg.

Today, she carries a small backpack and a quiet determination that speaks louder than words.


Born with HIV and abandoned as a baby, Amanda has lived a life marked by setbacks. Her adoptive father, Dominic Damian, raised her with unwavering love.

But in 2017, Kuala Lumpur Hospital cut off the treatment she had relied on since childhood, labelling her a “foreigner.”


Her health declined dangerously, and without medication Damian often feared each night might be her last.

Dominic Damian wheels his fragile daughter into hospital for life-saving treatment last month.


Everything changed when her story surfaced last month in FMT. Malaysians responded with compassion. The Malaysian AIDS Council and Malaysian AIDS Foundation stepped forward.

The health ministry opened hospital doors, and Sungai Buloh began immediate treatment.

Her RM17,000 bill was later waived, an act of goodwill Damian said lifted a crushing burden.


The progress has been striking. Amanda now weighs 26kg and needs to hit 40kg. She no longer needs help with feeding or bathing.

Instead, she joins Damian on daily walks, clocking 4,000 to 8,000 steps. Sometimes he straps a backpack on her for added challenge, promising ice cream or chocolate at the finish.

“I hope she gets addicted to exercise,” he said with a laugh, grateful most of all that she has regained her independence.

Amanda’s recovery is more than a personal triumph. It has become a symbol of resilience — proof that hope and care can triumph over neglect.


It is also a national conscience, reminding Malaysians of the injustice she endured and how public compassion turned her story around.

Her progress stands as a collective victory, the result of ordinary citizens, NGOs and doctors who refused to look away.


And it is a future reminder: while doctored documents have allowed some to get Malaysian citizenship with ease, children like Amanda — born here but paperless — still fall through the cracks.

On Monday, Amanda left the hospital. At her Jalan Ipoh home, she continues her recovery, her steps filling the same rooms that once echoed with silence and fear.

Her citizenship remains unresolved, but the Malaysian AIDS Council is working with the home ministry to secure the papers she needs.

Only then can she be guaranteed a lifetime of treatment.

For now, Amanda’s strides tell their own story. From weakness to strength, she is walking into hope — one determined step at a time.

Factory worker lures boy with ‘free bicycle’ in molest case

FMT:

Factory worker lures boy with ‘free bicycle’ in molest case

Kuala Muda police chief Hanyan Ramlan says the 12-year-old victim was tricked with the offer and taken to a forest area

Kuala Muda police chief Hanyan Ramlan said the suspect has no prior record and will be investigated for the physical sexual assault of a child. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA: Police arrested a factory worker last night for allegedly molesting a 12-year-old boy in Sungai Petani, Kedah.

Kuala Muda police chief Hanyan Ramlan said the incident reportedly took place at around 9pm on Monday when the victim and three friends were in the area of Bukit Bintang Ramlee, Berita Harian reported.

He said the boy was approached by a man on a motorcycle who claimed he wanted to give him a free bicycle.


“The victim followed the suspect to a house in Taman Sri Astana before returning to Bukit Bintang Ramlee with a bicycle.

“Later, the suspect told the boy he wanted to give him another bicycle, prompting him to follow the man again.


“This time, however, the boy, who is the third of four siblings, was taken to a forested area in Kampung Serukam, where the suspect allegedly forced the victim to touch his private parts,” he was quoted as saying in a statement today.

Hanyan said investigations would be carried out under Section 14(b) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017.

“Checks found that the suspect had no prior record. A remand application will be made today,” he said.

At least 22 dead after major earthquake hits Philippines

At least 22 dead after major earthquake hits Philippines



The police and rescuers inspect the damage at an indoor arena in San Remigio town, Cebu province, central Philippines, on October 1, 2025, after a powerful 6.9-magnitude earthquake jolted the central Philippines, collapsing buildings and killing at least 26 people. — AFP pic

Wednesday, 01 Oct 2025 9:01 AM MYT


MANILA, Oct 1 —At least 22 people have been killed following a powerful 6.9-magnitude earthquake in the Philippines, a government official said, marking one of the country’s most devastating disasters this year.

The earthquake that struck off the coast of Cebu City in the Philippines’ central Visayas region just before 10pm (10pm Malaysian time) yesterday led to power outages and damaged buildings in the region.

Alfie Reynes, vice mayor of the town of San Remigio, confirmed the death toll of 22 in an interview with DZMM radio.

Another government official told Reuters by phone that at least 21 people have been reported dead in Cebu province, adding that verification is underway on the reported fatalities.


The New York Times earlier reported that at least 37 people have been injured due to the quake, along with the collapse of a few buildings and infrastructure including bridges. Earthquake monitoring agencies had pegged the depth of the quake at around 10 km (6.2 miles) and recorded multiple aftershocks, the strongest having a magnitude of 6. Another monitoring agency said there was no tsunami threat following the quake.


Cebu City has a population of nearly 1 million, according to the USGS.

Philippine seismology agency Phivolcs warned of aftershocks and damage from the offshore tremor. It also warned that “strong currents and rapid changes of seawater level are expected.” “The concerned public is advised to be on alert for unusual waves,” it said in an advisory. The warning was canceled three hours later. The Philippines lies in the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” where volcanic activity and earthquakes are common. The country had two major earthquakes in January with no casualties reported. In 2023, a 6.7 magnitude offshore earthquake killed eight people. — Reuters