What is the specific benchmark lowered to for Bahasa Malaysia proficiency?

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Lowered Benchmark for Bahasa Malaysia Proficiency in Citizenship Applications

The benchmark for Bahasa Malaysia proficiency required for citizenship applications has been significantly lowered, allowing applicants who can respond to basic conversational phrases to meet the standard. This adjustment aims to facilitate the citizenship process for elderly foreigners who may struggle with language acquisition. Previously, a lack of proficiency in the national language was a primary reason for the rejection of such applications.
Basic Conversational Ability Now Sufficient

Previously, a failing mark in the Bahasa Malaysia proficiency test was set at eight, with a passing mark also at eight. However, the Home Ministry has since lowered this benchmark considerably. Now, applicants who can demonstrate basic understanding and response, such as replying "sama-sama" to "terima kasih" (thank you) or "khabar baik" to "apa khabar" (how are you), are considered to have met the language requirement. This reflects a pragmatic approach to assessing language skills for this demographic.
Rationale Behind the Lowered Standard

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail explained that this lowered benchmark acknowledges the difficulties some senior citizens face in mastering the national language, especially if they have been primarily using a foreign language for an extended period. This criterion is also comparable to similar requirements in other countries, indicating an alignment with international practices for citizenship. The ministry aims to be more accommodating while still ensuring a fundamental connection to the national language.
Addressing Application Delays and Rejections

The issue of Bahasa Malaysia proficiency has been a contributing factor to the lengthy processing times and rejections of citizenship applications, particularly for elderly foreigners. By adjusting the language proficiency benchmark, the ministry hopes to streamline the evaluation process and reduce the number of rejections based solely on language limitations. This move is part of a broader effort to facilitate citizenship for deserving applicants, with 10,381 applications having been approved in the past 10 months, predominantly for adopted or illegitimate children.

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What is the specific benchmark lowered to for Bahasa Malaysia proficiency?

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