Saifuddin & the Chamber of Secret Powers

OPINION | Saifuddin & the Chamber of Secret Powers


14 Oct 2025 • 4:30 PM MYT


Fa Abdul
FA ABDUL is a former columnist of Malaysiakini & Free Malaysia Today (FMT)

AI generated image with ChatGPT


When the Home Minister said he used his discretionary powers to waive the residency rule for seven heritage footballers, I had to pause my teh tarik. Wow, I thought - I didn’t know ministers had superpowers. Like, actual constitutional, reality-bending, rule-waving powers. Or built-in cheat codes, some might say.


Now, I’m not questioning the legality - I’m just... impressed. If a minister can flip open the Federal Constitution like a Harry Potter spellbook, point at a line and go, “Ah yes, this one - I’ll use it,” then wave his constitutional wand in the Chamber of Secrets and still keep a straight face in Parliament - imagine what else that power could do.


Because if that kind of power really exists, I have a few humble suggestions to fix some of our long-standing, homegrown heartbreaks.


For starters, how about granting permanent residency to foreign spouses who’ve been part of Malaysian families for decades? They’ve raised Malaysian kids, cooked Malaysian food, helped Malaysian economy - and yet still renewing visas every year like it’s a Netflix subscription.


Surely, if a footballer who’s never set foot in Malaysia until recently can become Malaysian overnight, a spouse who’s been here for 20 years deserves a MyKad that doesn’t expire.


If other ministers too have secret powers tucked inside dusty clauses, maybe the Transport Minister could use his secret wand to abolish tolls. Just use Article 20(1)(free-for-all). Or at least waive them on Mondays - for mental health reasons.


And if these powers are transferable, I’d like to borrow them for a day. First thing I’d do? Abolish the rule that forces non-Muslims to convert in order to marry a Muslim.


Imagine that - love without paperwork, weddings without ultimatums, and families without religion officers lurking in the background. Now that’s what I call national unity - and way more romantic than waiving residency for footballers.


Let’s be honest - if love, loyalty, and years of contribution to the country don’t earn you citizenship, but kicking a ball does, then maybe we’ve been playing the wrong game all along.


Because here’s the thing - if citizenship can be granted with discretion, compassion should be too.


It’s funny how bureaucracy moves at lightning speed for a football match but crawls at snail pace for real lives.


So yes, dear Minister, I salute you. Not for the football - but for proving that in Malaysia, power isn’t just great. It’s flexible.


After all, as the great philosopher once said, “With great power comes great responsibility.”


Or, in our version: With great power comes great footballers.