Don't politicise UEC recognition, says higher education minister

PARLIAMENT | Higher Education Minister Zambry Abd Kadir hopes the issue of Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) recognition will not be politicised to garner support during “certain seasons”.

Speaking in the Dewan Rakyat today, he recommended a comprehensive study on the UEC as well as the accreditation of other certificates.

“Such ongoing issues should not be excessively played upon for certain reasons. We need to look deeper into this. If asked, I’d say that the accreditation issue shouldn’t focus solely on one certificate.

“We should also examine other certificates that may hinder our students and citizens here from entering higher education institutions.

“Therefore, I suggest a thorough study be conducted in terms of context, content, and curriculum. So, I hope such issues are not discussed only during certain seasons to seek support,” he said.

Zambry was responding to a question from Salamiah Mohd Nor (PN-Temerloh) on the status of the UEC’s recognition by the government.

Wee Jeck Seng (BN-Tanjung Piai) also questioned why the Malaysian government does not recognise the UEC while international universities do.

The MCA vice president pointed out that the Sarawak government also recognises the UEC.

The first Pakatan Harapan government established a task force in October 2019 to look into the UEC issue.

During a guest appearance on Malaysiakini’s Chinese podcast in June this year, former deputy education minister Teo Nie Ching revealed that the UEC task force never submitted its report to the ministry under the then-Harapan government.

“I told him (Dr Mahathir Mohamad, prime minister and acting education minister at the time) that the committee’s report was ready and that they wanted to meet you to present the report. I asked if that was possible, and he said okay, suggesting we arrange a time.

“I remember he mentioned that it could be in March, but unfortunately, in February, the Sheraton Move happened. Because of that, the entire committee’s report was left unresolved.”

According to Teo, following the Sheraton Move, the new minister Mohd Radzi Md Jidin “had no interest in the report”.

In October 2020, task force chairperson Eddin Khoo told Malaysiakini that they were finalising the report and denied claims that the ministry had refused to accept it.

In response to the Temerloh MP’s query, Zambry said the UEC is currently only recognised for entry into private higher education institutions (IPTS).

“According to the Private Higher Education Institutions registrar’s circular, KPM number two 2004, UEC qualifications are only valid for IPTS admissions.”

Previously, Malaysiakini reported Perak PAS chief Razman Zakaria claiming that UEC recognition could undermine “Malay dominance”.

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Putrajaya has no plans to recognise UEC

Senate chief wants UEC issue discussed immediately

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