KUALA LUMPUR – The Youth and Sports Ministry has clarified that naturalised athletes are not limited to participation in football and can compete in any sport, provided they meet the necessary legal and eligibility criteria.
Minister Hannah Yeoh stated that there is no restriction on the use of naturalised athletes in various sports, as long as they fulfil the conditions set by their respective national sports associations (NSAs) and have legally obtained Malaysian citizenship through the Home Ministry.
However, she emphasised that the use of such athletes should not hinder the development of local talent.
“Naturalisation is the process of granting citizenship to foreign individuals so they may represent Malaysia in international competitions. The goal is to strengthen the national team and improve the country’s overall performance in sports,” she explained.
Yeoh noted that the selection of naturalised athletes depends on the guidelines set by each NSA, and the practice is not new. It has been implemented in sports such as weightlifting, diving, shooting, and athletics.
She also pointed out that international bodies, such as the International Tennis Federation (ITF), do not object to the inclusion of naturalised players. For instance, the Lawn Tennis Association of Malaysia (LTAM) requires these athletes to serve the country for at least five years while complying with all relevant laws and regulations.
Yeoh’s remarks came in a written response to a question from Kalam Salan (PN–Sabak Bernam), who asked why naturalised athletes seemed to be used exclusively in the national football team.
