JOHOR Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar has expressed his dismay over the Home Affairs Ministry’s (MOHA) reluctance to review the new criteria of the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme.
His Majesty said he will now personally take up the matter soon with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, especially since Johor is a popular MM2H destination and the potential loss of revenue to the State from this programme was enormous.
His Majesty also called the ministry’s decision “mind-boggling and outrageous”, considering that MM2H had brought huge economic benefits to Malaysia.
The rejection of appeals for a review, noted Sultan Ibrahim, was despite the earlier promise by Home Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin to reconsider the new criteria.
“What we have heard in Parliament is a mere promise to consider MM2H applicants on a case-by-case basis,” said His Majesty in a post on his official Facebook page.
“It falls short of expectations and I can only say that this is pathetic. This is a complete let down to all the existing MM2H participants and the relevant stakeholders.”
Sultan Ibrahim said if security was the main reason for the new criteria, then MOHA only needs to revoke the visas of errant MM2H pass holders instead of laying down a blanket ruling that affects everyone.
“MM2H offers multiplier economic effects. Malaysians benefit and so does the government. But now we are chasing them away. And the bad international publicity is detrimental for Malaysia.
“I hope good sense will prevail and the government will reinstate the programme without any drastic changes immediately,” he said. – Sept 18, 2021
