Education Ministry to review tuition centre ownership rules

KUALA LUMPUR: The Education Ministry will propose a review of tuition centre ownership rules to the cabinet next week, following concerns raised over a proposed 30 per cent Bumiputera equity requirement.

"The Education Ministry takes note of the various views raised regarding the provisions and remains open to hearing the views of all parties.

"The Education Ministry will submit a proposal to review the provisions relating to the ownership structure of tuition centres for consideration by the cabinet next week," it said in a statement.

The remarks come after MIC National Strategic Director Datuk C. Sivaraj called on the Education Ministry to clarify the proposed 30 per cent Bumiputera equity requirement for tuition centres.

Sivaraj said efforts to increase Bumiputera participation in the economy should not come at the expense of the rights and equity of non-Bumiputera communities through licensing conditions, rulings or administrative regulations.

"Existing business owners who have invested their own capital, taken risks and complied with regulations should not be required to give up part of their equity to obtain or renew a licence," he said.

The statement said the ownership structure for tuition centres was detailed in the Private Education Institutions Policy Book published in 2006.

It said education space should remain open to all parties wishing to contribute to the development and learning of Malaysian children.

The ministry also appreciated the contributions of tuition centre operators and said it would continue working with all parties in the interests of "Malaysian chil