CLP issue has Deputy Education Minister under the spotlight

KUALA LUMPUR: The requirements to sit for certificate of legal practice (CLP) examination, effective this year, have put Deputy Education Minister Teo Nie Ching under scrutiny.

Graduates with Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) from Chinese Independent Schools have found their qualification not listed in the circular issued by the Legal Practice Qualifying Board of Malaysia (LPQB) dated Oct 26, 2018.

They were shocked, as Teo had reportedly contacted Attorney General Tommy Thomas, also LPQB chairman, on the matter in July last year for a solution.

The Deputy Education Minister and Kulai MP was reportedly doing so after a June 5, 2018 circular from the board, stating UEC holders have to pass two subjects at STPM/A -Level for them to sit for CLP is effective year 2021.

MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong has challenged Teo to explain the situation, and what happened after her contacting the AG.

"Is it that Tommy Thomas not listening, or LPQB not listening to Tommy Thomas as chairman of the board?" Dr Wee asked.

Dr Wee said the private institute of higher learning are advising UEC students either to do the Bar exam in UK, which is very expensive or do two STPM/A-Level subjects.

The Star, in its report on Jan 25, "Stop discriminating against law students with UEC certificate" quoted Dudong SUPP chairman Wong Ching Yong as saying the new requirements marked the second time the board was discriminating against UEC holders.