MP’s misleading comments on MM2H programme slammed

KUCHING: The Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme contributes to the country’s economic growth by being open to applicants from all countries, said Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.

He said the recent comment made by Masjid Tanah MP Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin on the MM2H programme has sparked racial issues, where in fact it aims to boost Malaysia’s economic recovery.

“Why does Mas Ermieyati need to mislead the public and claim that the programme only favours applicants from China? Why is she provoking by singling out a specific country?” he queried in a statement today.

Furthermore, he stressed that every applicant, regardless of nationality, must meet the Platinum category application requirements before being eligible to apply for Permanent Resident (PR) status.

“Is Mas Ermieyati intentionally provoking ethnic tensions? Is she trying to disrupt ethnic harmony?” he said.

On December 16, Mas Ermieyati, on her X account (formerly Twitter), alleged that Chinese citizens participating in and obtaining visas for the MM2H programme automatically qualify for permanent resident status in the country.

Meanwhile, Tiong reiterated that improvements to the MM2H criteria and requirements aim to attract more applications, especially from those with good financial potential.

He assured that every application from any eligible country would be thoroughly reviewed.

“Mas Ermieyati’s statements on this issue are merely for personal political popularity. Her statements are seen as a threat to the ethnic harmony of Malaysia and make our country of subject of international ridicule.

“Many countries have programmes like MM2H besides Malaysia and the entire MM2H application process is thoroughly verified and rigorously reviewed. Her comments demonstrate her ignorance of many matters and it is her way of seeking attention,” said Tiong.

He said it is well known that every application intending to join the MM2H programme must pass a rigorous screening process, including financial screaming, background checks and other related requirements, before they quality to receive MM2H programme visas and subsequently apply for PR status according to the conditions set by the Immigration Department.

He added that Mas Ermieyati’s unfounded and false comments threaten ethnic harmony and demonstrate her low quality as a Member of Parliament and offered to clarify the new MM2H application requirements to her if she does not clearly understand the programme.

“Considering that she (Mas Ermieyati) seems to have a limited understanding of the new MM2H application requirements, I am willing to explain it to her. If she doesn’t comprehend the programme clearly, she should refrain from hastily creating perceptions and accusing MM2H with a racially tinted viewpoint.

“Please, Datuk Mas Ermieyati, calm down. Your statements about MM2H are not only confusing and baseless but also spread false information with malicious intent. It undermines the overall plan of the unity government to stimulate the country’s economic recovery, bring business opportunities to develop various industries, and improve the lives of the people,” he said.

The revamped version of MM2H programme now has three tiers – Silver, Gold and Platinum, with each tier will have specific eligibility requirements.

The type of entry visa available to applicants will also vary according to the tier for which they qualify.