THE unity government has no plans to recognise the unified examination certificate (UEC), Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek told the Dewan Rakyat today (March 1).
Fadhlina, who is also Nibong Tebal MP, said this in a brief written reply to Jerai MP Sabri Azit.
“As of now the Education Ministry has no plans to recognise the UEC which is implemented in Chinese private middle schools,” she explained.
“This stance is based on the national education policy and provisions under the Education Act 1996.”
In its 15th general election (GE15) manifesto, Pakatan Harapan, of which Fadhlina’s party is a coalition member of, had promised to recognise the UEC for public university enrolment on condition that the applicant possesses at least a credit in Bahasa Malaysia.
The UEC is an A-level or STPM equivalent examination used by Chinese independent schools. While it is recognised by major institutions worldwide, it is not recognised by any branch of the Malaysian civil service except in Sarawak.
In December last year, Fadhlina said recognising UEC was not a priority for the Education Ministry, at least for now.
Rather, she said her ministry would focus on efforts to address cost of living issues faced by the people in relation to the education sector.
She also said any other issues including the recognition of the UEC would be looked into by the ministry on a “time to time” basis. – March 1, 2023
Main pic credit: Bernama
