Education ministry to propose review of tuition centre ownership rules

The Education Ministry in Malaysia plans to review the rules governing the ownership of tuition centres, following objections to a proposed 30 percent Bumiputera equity requirement. The ministry is seeking input from all parties before submitting a proposal to the cabinet for consideration. MIC National Strategic Director Datuk C. Sivaraj has called for clarification of the 30 percent Bumiputera equity requirement, arguing that efforts to boost Bumiputera participation in the economy should not be achieved at the expense of non-Bumiputera communities.

Existing business owners, who have invested their own capital and complied with regulations, should not be forced to reduce their equity to secure or renew licenses. The ministry maintains that the ownership structure for tuition centres is outlined in the 2006 Private Education Institutions Policy Book and emphasizes the importance of maintaining an open platform for all parties to contribute to the education of Malaysian children.