PUTRAJAYA: The Education Ministry today said any decision to recognise the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) will not threaten the position of Bahasa Melayu as the country’s national language.
Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik said the ministry is conducting a holistic research into the matter before making any decision on the recognition of the UEC.
“Before implementing this recognition (of UEC), we need to take into account the interest of Bahasa Melayu as the national language, and whether there would be any impacts that could undermine the Malaysian people’s unity and harmony.
“Therefore, the views from various parties are very important and the interaction between the ministry and relevant parties is my priority,” he said in a statement today.
The UEC, which is issued to graduates of Chinese independent high schools, is currently recognised by local private higher education institutions and many universities overseas, as well as in Sarawak.
While Bahasa Melayu may be a subject under the certificate, it is of a lower standard compared to the SPM.
Pakatan Harapan in its manifesto had promised that the UEC would be used for entry into public higher education institutions. Applicants must have a credit in Bahasa Malaysia at the SPM level. – BERNAMA