The government does not provide identity cards to 700,000 foreigners in Johor to become voters in Malaysia.

In a statement here Friday, Home Ministry (KDN) secretary general Datuk Seri Alwi Ibrahim said the awarding of citizenship was the highest award of the government of Malaysia.

"This is an exclusive rights of the federal government that cannot be offered and given with impunity.

"It is incorrect to claim that the government will give identity cards to 700,000 foreigners," he said.

Alwi said every application for citizenship required detailed research as provided under Section III of the Federal Constitution.

This was because it would enable the individual concerned to enjoy privileges and rights that was previously only enjoyed by a citizen, he said.

"The ministry is committed to ensuring that all awards of citizenship is in order and complies with the legislation being enforced so that security, harmony, unity and public order are maintained," he said. --BERNAMA