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DAP MP wants Kamalanathan cited for contempt of Parliament

A DAP lawmaker wants Deputy Education Minister P Kamalanathan cited for contempt of Parliament for linking the government's refusal to acknowledge UEC to national sovereignty.

The notice of motion was filed today by DAP Sandakan parliamentarian Wong Tien Fatt to Dewan Rakyat speaker Pandikar Amin Mulia.

Wong said Kamalanathan had told the House on March 26 that the cabinet had cited national sovereignty as grounds for not recognising the United Examination Certificate (UEC).

However two MCA ministers , Liow Tiong Lai and Wee Ka Siong, have rebutted this, he added.

"(Thus) the deputy minister has breached the Section 36(12) of Parliament's Standing Orders. I propose to refer him to the rights and privileges committee over his statement," declared Wong.

"Two versions have emerged from the cabinet meeting causing confusion. If the deputy minister had wrongly quoted the minutes of the meeting, then he is guilty of discrediting the federal government," he asserted.

"He has tarnished the good name and prestige of the Dewan Rakyat.
"I suggest the motion be tabled in the House for debate and approved on Tuesday ," he added.
The UEC is awarded to graduates of Chinese independent high schools in Malaysia, and is recognised by international varsities in Singapore, Australia, Taiwan, China and some European countries.

Kamalanthan made the remark during the question-and-answer session in the House on March 29.

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.

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