Tamil schools, like the Chinese schools, are often seen to be sidelined by the government, though they are said to be an integral part of the national education system.

Former education minister Musa Mohamad once stated in 2000 that Tamil schools should be regarded as 'the responsibility of the community' although the Constitution provides that "there shall be no discrimination against any citizen… 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 (…)"