Among students: Anwar (centre), flanked by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir and Dr Wee at TAR UMT, Kuala Lumpur. — Photo from Prime Minister’s Office
KUALA LUMPUR: Everyone in the hall was curious and went silent when Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim suddenly turned back to the rostrum after presenting a mock cheque to Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) on stage.
“We have a brief announcement.
“For all educational bodies and foundations, the government has approved a 10-year tax exemption.
“This is for foundations that are set up for education purposes, like the TARC Foundation. So we approve the tax exemption,” the Prime Minister said, drawing loud cheers and applause from the audience at TAR UMT’s main campus in Setapak yesterday.
For TAR UMT, the announcement means it will be able to plan its future with greater certainty, following the government’s decision to extend its tax exempt status for 10 years, said Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, who is MCA president.
He said the university was “doubly grateful” as Anwar had also presented a RM40mil matching grant to the institution.
“Today, TAR UMT would like to record our deepest appreciation to the Prime Minister for giving us two pieces of good news,” he said when met after Anwar’s visit.
“First is the annual matching grant, which reflects the government’s continued commitment. This helps ease our situation, because as a ‘universiti rakyat’ (the people’s university), we have never turned away any qualified student and our fees remain affordable compared with many other private institutions,” he said, noting that TAR UMT has contributed to education for more than 57 years.
The second was Anwar’s announcement of a 10-year tax exemption for non-profit education institutions like TAR UMT under Section 44(6) of the Income Tax Act 1967.
“This is very good news for those who are planning education agendas.
“It is a form of government support that encourages the community to participate in developing education. Our previous exemption expired on Dec 31 last year, so another 10 years gives us room to plan,” he said.
Dr Wee said Anwar’s engagement session with students had also left a strong impression on the Prime Minister.
“He received many inputs from students and was clearly moved by them.
“I hope the questions raised by students from various races will leave a sweet memory for him, because this is a long-established institution that continues to keep pace with the digital era,” he said, noting that TAR UMT aims to be a driver of artificial intelligence and digital education.
Asked about claims of a controversy between MCA and DAP over education issues, Dr Wee dismissed the notion, stressing that TAR UMT’s mission was inclusive.
“Our party may have founded this institution, but its objective is broader, which is to help everyone,” he said, adding that TAR UMT also supports students from rural and lower-income backgrounds.
