Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's presence at the United Chinese School Committees Association of Malaysia's (Dong Zong) Chinese New Year open house tomorrow may be unprecendented, but he will not be bearing any gift for the Chinese education coalition.

This is according to the premier's political secretary, Wong Nai Chee.

NONE Wong ( left) was quoted in China Press as saying that the premier will not distribute any gifts during his 30-minute stay at New Era College, the private college established by Dong Zong, and the location of the open house.

However, he added that he is not sure whether Najib will make any impromptu announcement.

Dong Zong and other Chinese educationalists have been struggling to get recognition of Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) examination, a private examination sat for by students in all 60 Chinese independent high schools nationwide.

Despite the UEC being widely accepted as entrance qualification in Singapore, Australia, China and other countries, the Malaysian government, however, does not.

Sin Chew Daily reported today that Deputy Higher Education Minister Saifuddin Abdullah has also urged the government to recognise UEC.

Saifuddin, seen as a liberal leader in Umno, said the recognition would be good news for the Chinese community before the coming polls.

"I understand that government requires certain curricula of UEC to be in line with national education policy.

"But this could be done after (recognition). If the government can recognise A-level, why not the local UEC?" he was quoted as asking.