Page "Constitution of Malaysia" Paragraph 60

In respect of education, Article 12 provides that there shall be no discrimination against any citizen on the grounds only of religion, race, descent or place of birth ( i ) in the administration of any educational institution maintained by a public authority, and, in particular, the admission of pupils or students or the payment of fees and ( ii ) in providing out of the funds of a public authority financial aid for the maintenance or education of pupils or students in any educational institution ( whether or not maintained by a public authority and whether within or outside Malaysia ).

Note however that notwithstanding this Article, the Government is required, under Article 153, to implement affirmative action programs such as the reservation of places in tertiary educational institutions for the benefit of Malays and natives of Sabah and Sarawak.