Anwar enters UEC debate with 'this is Malaysia' reminder

• UPDATED 6.50PM | Added more comments from Anwar based on a recording.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has stepped into the renewed debate over the recognition of the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC), an issue thrust back into the spotlight after DAP’s decimation in the recent Sabah election.

He reminded all parties that any demands touching on religious, racial, or ethnic sensitivities must consider the constitutional position of the national language.

He stressed that as prime minister, he would continue to uphold the Federal Constitution’s guarantee of Bahasa Malaysia.

“Lately, there have been various demands regarding language; some want to emphasise English, some want recognition of the UEC.

“I want to explain this, this is Malaysia. The Malay language is the official language, and whoever is trying to bring the message of a language must remember that the official language, which is the Malay language, must be elevated as the language of knowledge that is mastered by all Malaysians,” he said when met by reporters in Langkawi, based on a recording of the exchange.

He said that as long as the priority to master the Malay language is clear, he has no issues with other languages - whether English, Chinese, Tamil, or Arabic - being taught. This includes the UEC issue, which uses Chinese as the medium of instruction.

“But when the narrative or conversation veers towards one language, one race, and leaves behind questions about our national language, that becomes a problem.

“So, I want to remind that, if any race or party wants to put forward (proposals), there is no problem. But as citizens who follow the principles of the constitution, it should start with emphasising the primacy of mastering the Malay language,” he said.

On Monday, DAP deputy chairperson Nga Kor Ming announced on social media that the party would seek a meeting with Anwar to push for UEC recognition.

His statement was widely read in Malay online circles as DAP pressuring the prime minister - a perception that drew negative reactions.

DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke later attempted to reframe the UEC push as one that complements, rather than undermines, efforts to strengthen the Malay language.

The proposal has nevertheless faced resistance, including from Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh, who warned that the wing would “not compromise” on the matter.

READ MORE: Unified Examination Certificate: Are the criticisms justified?

Renewed push

Meanwhile, DAP’s Chinese support base is demanding that UEC recognition come “without any strings attached”.

Pakatan Harapan had pledged in the last general election’s manifesto to recognise the UEC for entry into public universities, provided applicants obtained a credit in SPM-level Bahasa Malaysia, with the UEC assessed as equivalent to existing general entry qualifications.

Now, after losing all eight seats it contested in Sabah and vowing to accelerate reforms within six months, DAP finds itself in a delicate position - trying to reassure its Chinese base while avoiding missteps on issues sensitive to Malays and its ally, Umno.

Within the Madani government, DAP holds the highest number of federal seats with 40, yet critics continue to accuse the party of being unable to assert itself.

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