IPOH: Discussions over the recognition of the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) could not bear fruit decades ago because of the differences in educational systems, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said the differences between the Chinese independent school education system and the national education system resulted in clashes in policies.
"We've tried to discuss the issue for decades. When I was the Education Minister, we faced difficulties to give space (for discussions) because the system in independent Chinese schools differs from our educational system," he said in his speech during the opening of the national-level Teachers' Day celebration here on Saturday (May 16).
"In the few meetings between me and teachers' leaders, they refused to even discuss in Bahasa Malaysia.
"That was 40 years ago. During the current meetings, all association representatives can speak in Malay," he said, adding that more than 80% of those who sat for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia in independent Chinese schools can converse in Bahasa Malaysia.
Anwar had on Friday (May 15) said the Cabinet has agreed in principle to recognise the UEC as an admission pathway to enter public universities.
This is provided that students pass the Bahasa Melaysia and History subjects in the SPM examination.
The same requirements would also apply to students from religious and international school streams.
Anwar also said that one must be proficient in Bahasa Malaysia to live in the country.
"If you want to be a Malaysian citizen, you must understand our history, the national Constitution, the history of independence, the history of past struggles, our battles with the British colonisers or the Portuguese before," he added.
Those at the event included Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad and Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek.
