31 Federal Constitution [Article 19] (2) Subject to Clause (9), the Federal Government may, in such special circumstances as it thinks fit, upon application made by any person of or over the age of twenty-one years who is not a citizen, grant a certificate of naturalization to that person if satisfied— (a) that he has resided in the Federation for the required periods and intends, if the certificate is granted, to do so permanently; (b) that he is of good character; and (c) that he has an adequate knowledge of the Malay language. (3) The periods of residence in the Federation or the relevant part of it which are required for the grant of a certificate of naturalization are periods which amount in the aggregate to not less than ten years in the twelve years immediately preceding the date of the application for the certificate, and which include the twelve months immediately preceding that date. (4) For the purposes of Clauses (1) and (2) residence before Malaysia Day in the territories comprised in the States of Sabah and Sarawak shall be treated as residence in the Federation; and for the purposes of Clause (2) residence in Singapore before Malaysia Day or with the approval of the Federal Government residence in Singapore after Malaysia Day shall be treated as residence in the Federation. (5) A person to whom a certificate of naturalization is granted shall be a citizen by naturalization from the date on which the certificate is granted. (6) (Repealed). (7) (Repealed). (8) (Repealed). (9) No certificate of naturalization shall be granted to any person until he has taken the oath set out in the First Schedule. 19a. (Repealed). 20. (Repealed). 21. (Repealed).