‘UEC recognition part of manifesto’
Najib: Students must score at least a credit in Bahasa Melayu and pass in History
KUALA LUMPUR: Recognising the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) is part of Barisan Nasional’s agenda, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
He said this is provided that UEC holders score at least a credit in Bahasa Melayu and a pass in History in the SPM examination.
“I can confirm that the recognition of UEC is part of the Barisan manifesto. We have coupled this with the requirement for a credit in Bahasa Melayu and a pass in History.
“But that’s not a problem,” Najib said at the launch of the redeveloped campus of Kuen Cheng High School here.
He said 85% of students who sat for the SPM at the school managed to obtain a credit in the Malay language.
“My congratulations to you, because being able to speak good Malay is necessary as part of national integration in our society,” Najib told the crowd.
According to Barisan’s election manifesto, UEC holders can enrol into public universities, provided that they obtain a credit in Bahasa Melayu and a pass in History in SPM.
However, the Opposition had attacked Barisan over the word “dipertimbangkan” (will be considered) used in the manifesto.
The United Chinese School Committees’ Association of Malaysia has been pushing for the UEC, a standardised test for Chinese independent high school students, to be recognised by the Government.
At present, UEC leavers may apply for National Higher Education Fund Corporation loans for their tertiary studies and also enrol in local teacher training colleges.
In Sarawak, the state government has opened its civil service to UEC holders, who may also enter public universities in the state.
On another matter, Najib said DAP’s “cut-throat strategy” of contesting directly against MCA and Gerakan is a “big mistake”.
He said if it works, the strategy will only be detrimental to the Chinese community because there is a need for strong Chinese representation in the Government.
“Today, the Chinese constitute about 23% of the population. But only 6% of Chinese elected representatives in Parliament support the Government.
“This isn’t sustainable in the long run. It will work against the Chinese community,” Najib added.
He also assured Chinese businessmen that a Barisan-led government will ensure predictability and certainty in the nation’s economy.
“You are averse to risk. But the Barisan government can provide stability for you,” he said.
Najib later launched the school’s new campus, witnessed by MCA president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, MCA Youth chief Datuk Chong Sin Woon, school officials and other guests.
When met by reporters, Chong said he was happy that Najib had confirmed the UEC recognition as part of the coalition’s pledges.