KUALA LUMPUR – PKR deputy secretary-general Sivamalar Genapathy has questioned Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh’s criticism of the government’s decision to remove the 30% Bumiputera equity requirement for certain private education institutions (IPS).
The issue arose after the Education Ministry (MOE) announced that the requirement for at least 30% Bumiputera equity would no longer be imposed on private limited companies operating IPS under its jurisdiction.
The ministry said the decision followed discussions with the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (MITI), and was intended to meet the current needs of the education sector while keeping participation in education open to all parties.
IPS refers to Institusi Pendidikan Swasta, or private education institutions, which include private kindergartens, tuition centres and other non-government education institutions. Tuition centres are among the categories of IPS regulated by the Education Ministry.
Akmal, who is UMNO Youth chief, criticised the move, saying: “We are busy being divided, while their work continues. Congratulations, Madani.”
He subsequently questioned the government’s explanation after MITI said it had no information about the coordination of the IPS ownership requirement and clarified that Bumiputera equity ownership policy falls under the jurisdiction of the Economy Ministry.
Sivamalar said Akmal should not portray the decision as an abolition of Bumiputera privileges, arguing that the matter concerned a specific equity ownership requirement for companies operating private education institutions.
“Akmal should not confuse the public by turning an issue with a clearly defined scope into a racial issue.
“He said, ‘We are busy being divided while their work continues.’ But the question is, where was his voice when UMNO in Negeri Sembilan became embroiled in an issue involving the royal institution?” she said in a statement today.
Sivamalar also pointed to the position taken by former deputy education minister and MIC leader Datuk P. Kamalanathan, who called for written confirmation from the Education Ministry on whether the removal of the 30% requirement applied to new applications and existing tuition centres renewing their licences.
“Akmal should also take note of the views within his own coalition. Kamalanathan has called for clear written confirmation so that operators know exactly how the policy applies,” she said.
Sivamalar questioned why Akmal had been vocal in criticising the Madani Government over the education policy but, in her view, had remained silent on the ongoing issue involving the position and authority of the royal institution in Negeri Sembilan.
“If he wants to be seen as a defender of Malay interests, his voice should also be heard when issues involving the institution of the Malay Rulers arise.
“Instead, he appears more willing to criticise the Madani Government while remaining silent when the issue involves his own party,” she said.
She said political leaders should maintain consistency in their positions instead of raising issues selectively for political purposes.
“Education should not become a political tool to divert attention from other issues that are currently attracting public attention,” she added. -MalayaDailyToday
