Drop ‘absurd’ Bumiputera equity rule for tuition centres, govt urged

Parents' group and academic slam 30% Bumiputera equity rule for tuition centres

The Melaka Action Group for Parents in Education (Magpie) and independent scholar Sharifah Munirah Alatas have criticised the Malaysian government's 30% Bumiputera equity requirement for tuition centre licences. Both argue the rule is unfair to existing businesses that have thrived for years and fails to truly encourage Bumiputera entrepreneurship in the sector.

Sharifah called the policy "absurd" and warned it risks racialising the education system. She said the directive is just another example of the education ministry getting sidetracked by trivial issues, rather than focusing on more pressing matters like teacher training and classroom challenges.

Magpie president Mak Chee Kin urged the government to provide financing, training and grants instead of forcing existing businesses to give up 30% of ownership. He questioned why entrepreneurs who built their centres from scratch should be penalised by a policy introduced long after they started their operations. Mak also warned the rule could be extended to other sectors gradually.