The higher education minister's announcement that all private higher educational institutions will be graded early next year is commendable though it has taken us so long to take this stand.

Yes, it is important that Malaysian businessmen realise that turning the nation into a centre of educational excellence will set the nation on the right economic path as education is a global, evergreen business. Likewise, foreign parties attempting to set up such joint ventures here will know that the government-of-the-day means business.

But cheats certainly have no place as they jeopardise the national agenda and economic restructuring deemed crucial as we race towards a world-class service economy.

It is therefore quite incomprehensible why it is reported that the ministry will issue only a warning first to those culprit institutions who are deemed "cheats". Why not prosecute them on the very first reported incident and shame them through the media so that parents and students are forewarned and that those with vested interest pay for their deceitful intentions and learn their lesson fast?

The ministry should also widely publicise through newspapers and televisions the graded institutions so that discerning customers can make a wise choice. Such announcements must be made when the SPM and STPM results are announced.

Those institutions that are failing to make the grade should not be given time to re-appraise. The rationale is very simple: If you are not ready to deliver quality education and deliver on your promises do not get into the business.

Unless and until the authorities can take such decisive positions, all is mere talk and some day soon we may just lose out to neighbouring countries.

Hopefully, the authorities will mean what they say and say what they mean so that the nation's reputation continues to build on its strengths.