A dispute has emerged between Malaysia’s Education Ministry and the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti) regarding the application of a 30% bumiputra equity ownership requirement for private tuition centres. The conflicting statements have added uncertainty to the issue, which has drawn renewed attention following concerns raised by Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung.

Earlier this week, the Education Ministry announced that the 30% bumiputra equity ownership condition for private limited companies operating educational institutions would no longer be enforced. According to the ministry, the decision was made after discussions intended to align ownership requirements with the current needs of the education sector. The ministry added that it values the role of private educational operators and plans to continue collaborating with stakeholders to benefit Malaysian students. It also noted that a review of ownership structure requirements for tuition centres would be proposed at the upcoming Cabinet meeting.

In contrast, Miti issued a statement distancing itself from the policy, clarifying that the 30% equity ownership condition falls under the jurisdiction of the Economy Ministry through the Economic Planning Unit (EPU). The ministry emphasized that it was not informed about any changes to ownership requirements for private educational institutions and expressed the hope that this clarification would prevent misunderstandings about its role.

The discrepancies between the two ministries sparked concern among private education stakeholders. MCA Beliawanis national chairman Ivone Low Yi Wen highlighted the confusion caused by the contradictory statements, questioning how the Education Ministry could refer to discussions with Miti when the latter denied receiving such information. She urged both ministers to resolve the inconsistencies and provide clear communication to the public.

The controversy over the equity ownership condition initially gained attention after Lee Chean Chung raised the issue last week, prompting public debate and calls for transparency. As the matter progresses, stakeholders await the Cabinet’s decision on the proposed review to determine future policies governing the ownership structures of private tuition centres in Malaysia.