THE Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (MITI) says it has no information on any adjustment to the Bumiputera equity ownership requirement for private education institutions under the Education Ministry (MOE), contradicting MOE’s earlier statement that the change followed discussions with MITI.
MITI said policy matters relating to Bumiputera equity ownership fell under the jurisdiction of the Economic Ministry.
“MITI hopes this clarification will help correct the role of the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry in this matter so that information conveyed to the public is accurate and clear,” it said in a statement today, referring to MOE’s statement on private education institution equity issued yesterday.
MOE had said yesterday that a minimum 30% Bumiputera equity ownership would no longer be imposed as a condition on private limited companies operating private education institutions under the ministry.
MOe said the adjustment was made to meet the current needs of the education sector and keep participation in education open to all parties seeking to contribute to national educational development.
MOE added it had taken note of concerns over the 30% Bumiputera equity requirement for certain private education institutions operated through private limited companies, as set out in the Private Education Institutions Policy Statement Book published in 2006.
The ministry had earlier said it would submit a proposal to the Cabinet next week to review ownership regulations for tuition centres following concerns over the 30% Bumiputera equity requirement.
The issue arose after MIC national strategic director Datuk C Sivaraj called on KPM to clarify the proposed equity requirement.
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, decisions or administrative regulations. - September 22, 2026