Wee: UEC recognition date remains uncertain

KUALA LUMPUR: The date for the recognition of the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) remains uncertain despite the government’s assurance that it will be dealt with next year, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

“This is proof that they are making a U-turn again. This is the first time they have given a specific date of 2019.

“But when it will be done ... on Jan 1 or Dec 31? The date remains uncertain,” the former minister in the Prime Minister’s Department told reporters at Parliament lobby yesterday.

Dr Wee said this was the third time Pakatan Harapan had given a date on the UEC recognition after promising that it would do so immediately after taking over Putrajaya.

Deputy Education Minister Teo Nie Ching had previously targeted the end of this year for the UEC recognition, while Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik later said it would be done within five years.

Dr Wee was referring to the answer given by Dr Maszlee that a special committee would be set up next year to study the UEC recognition.

The committee is known as the Policy Team of the Unified Examination Certificate.

Its members include public and education figures, and is led by Eddin Khoo.

He is being assisted by Muslim Islamic Youth Movement of Malaysia president Mohamad Raimi

This is the first time they (the government) have given a specific date of 2019. But when will it be done ... on Jan 1 or Dec 31? Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong

Abdul Rahim and the deputy president of Dong Zhong, Tan Yew Sing.

Dr Wee, who was once the deputy education minister, said Dr Maszlee had also failed to elaborate on the workings of the proposed committee and how it intended to implement its recommendations to the Cabinet.

“All I know is that Dr Eddin Khoo is the son of Prof Tan Sri Khoo Kay Khim. Is the appointment based on his father?

“The minister should state clearly the criteria and credentials behind the appointment,” he said.

Dr Wee said the committee should also resolve the issue on whether a mandatory pass in the subject of History is required before UEC is recognised.

“Please do some homework and don’t make rash announcements.

“Don’t divert attention by accusing the opposition of trying to play up the issue,” he said.