General : MOE Relaxes Bumiputera Equity Requirement For Private Educational Institutions

The Malaysian education ministry has eliminated the need for private education institutions to maintain a minimum 30 percent Bumiputera equity ownership. The decision, announced in a statement, came after talks with the investment, trade and industry ministry. The ministry clarified that the previous 30 percent Bumiputera equity threshold for Sdn Bhd companies operating education institutions, established in the 2006 Private Education Institution Policy Statement Book, is no longer a requirement.

This adjustment aims to adapt to current sector needs and maintain inclusive participation in education for all stakeholders. The ministry expressed appreciation for the contributions of all private education institution operators and pledged to continue collaboration with stakeholders for the advancement of education. Concurrently, the ministry hinted at proposing a review of tuition centre ownership rules to the cabinet the following week, prompted by concerns regarding a proposed 30 percent Bumiputera equity requirement.

MIC National Strategic Director Datuk C. Sivaraj urged the ministry to clarify the proposed equity requirement, emphasizing that efforts to boost Bumiputera involvement in the economy should not compromise the rights and equity of non-Bumiputera communities through licensing conditions, rulings, or administrative regulations.