Malaysia’s cultural diversity is said to be the main reason many foreigners have chosen to reside in this country under its Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme since it was introduced 19 years ago.

The official website of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture – which coordinates the programme ­– cited the weather and medical services, as well as investment impact, as the factors prompting them to choose Malaysia as their second home.

However, the Auditor-General's Report 2019 Series 2, which was tabled at the Dewan Rakyat on Sept 28, revealed several weaknesses in the programme that posed a risk to national security. Among them was the absence of a letter of good conduct...