National sovereignty is one of the reasons the government is not recognising the United Education Certificate, said Deputy Education Minister P Kamalanathan.

“For now, the government cannot recognise the UEC because it is not based on our national curriculum and education philosophy.

“This is the reality we have to accept, because it has to do with national sovereignty and interests,” he told the Dewan Rakyat during question time today.

He said this was based on a decision made by the cabinet.

The UEC is awarded to graduates of Chinese independent high schools in Malaysia, and is recognised by international varsities including in Singapore, Australia, Taiwan, China and some European countries.

Kamalanthan was responding to Marcus Mojigoh (BN-Putatan) who asked if the federal government will follow the Sarawak government’s lead in recognising the UEC.

The MP also asked how many students are affected by the government’s refusal to recognise the certificate.

Sarawak recently announced it recognises the certificate, allowing those holding such qualifications to apply for positions in the civil service.

Chief Minister Adenan Satem said UEC graduates can also apply to Sarawak public universities, but this is inconsistent with the federal policy.

Public varsities are under the purview of the Higher Education Ministry.