Recognition of UEC: Education Ministry and DAP Must Clarify the Facts

Claims that the government has “fully recognised the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC)” must be clarified, as the government has never explicitly stated this to be the case. DAP leaders such as Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming and Deputy Communications and Multimedia Minister Teo Nie Ching must justify their claims and refrain from misleading the public.

During the recent parliamentary session, several Members of Parliament, such as Tampin MP YB Dato' Mohd Isam bin Mohd Isa, Besut MP YB Datuk Che Mohamad Zulkifly, and Kubang Pasu YB Dato' Wira Dr Ku Abd Rahman bin Ku Ismail, raised questions regarding the recognition of the UEC. However, according to the Education Ministry’s written parliamentary reply, there was no mention whatsoever of recognising the UEC. Instead, the ministry emphasised that the status quo remains unchanged, with the government’s position continuing to be guided by national education policy, provisions under the Education Act 1996 (Act 550), and the Prime Minister’s official announcement on 20 January 2026.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had clearly stated that regardless of whether students studied in Chinese independent schools, international schools or religious schools, Malaysian citizens seeking entry into the national higher education system must sit for Bahasa Melayu and History in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination. At no point was this described as recognition of the UEC. This demonstrates that the UEC has not been incorporated into the core framework of the national certification system, with SPM remaining the common national benchmark.

The Education Ministry’s written reply clearly shows that the government has not recognised the UEC and that its policy position remains unchanged. Therefore, claims circulated by DAP suggesting that the UEC has already been recognised lack legal basis, policy backing and institutional confirmation.

DAP must stop relying on political rhetoric and acknowledge that the issue of UEC recognition remains unresolved. If DAP is sincere in advancing Chinese education, it should pursue genuine institutional reform and policy breakthroughs at the Cabinet level rather than relying on slogans or publicity narratives.

On a related note, the Sarawak government has demonstrated a more open and pragmatic approach towards recognising the UEC, providing greater institutional space for Chinese education. The federal government should follow Sarawak’s example by placing educational diversity and inclusiveness at the centre of national policy and taking concrete steps towards comprehensive reform instead of continuing to delay the matter.

Ultimately, the Malaysian public seeks clarity, certainty and fair institutional recognition. The issue of UEC recognition should not be clouded by conflicting political statements. The government must clearly state its position and present a transparent policy direction so that students, parents and educators are no longer left in uncertainty.

ONG CHEE SIANG

MCA Youth Education Consultative Committee Chairman