Recognising UEC won't jeopardise Malay as national language, says Dr Maszlee

PETALING JAYA: Recognising the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) of Chinese independent secondary schools will not jeopardise the position of Bahasa Malaysia as Malaysia’s national language, said Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik.  

Dismissing fears on this matter, Dr Maszlee said the ministry is conducting a “holistic” study before making any decision regarding UEC’s recognition.  

“We (the ministry) need to take into account the importance of Bahasa Melayu as the national language and whether the impact of recognising UEC would affect the unity and harmony among Malaysians,” he said in a statement on Sunday (July 15).

Views of various parties are important in this decision-making process and it remains my priority, he added.

However, Dr Maszlee assured that Pakatan Harapan would stick to its manifesto and recognise UEC as a legitimate entry requirement for tertiary education.

It is one of our (Pakatan) promises,” he said.

UEC is issued to graduates of Chinese independent high schools and the United Chinese School Committees’ Association of Malaysia has been pushing for it to be recognised for years.

Earlier this month, Deputy Education Minister Teo Nie Ching said UEC would be recognised by year-end.

Meanwhile, MCA Youth has also urged the Pakatan government to recognise the UEC to fulfil its election manifesto.