Call to define ‘recognition’ of UEC

THERE must be a proper definition of the word “recognition” with regard to the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC), says MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

He said it was wrong for state governments to claim that they recognised UEC.

“I raised this with the panellist of UEC Task Force (PPDUEC) after several Pakatan Harapan MPs proudly claimed that their states have recognised UEC.

“This is totally wrong,” he said after attending a PPDUEC dialogue session with lawmakers in Parliament yesterday.

The Ayer Hitam MP said the claims were made to the panel that UEC had been recognised by Penang, Selangor, Melaka, Sarawak and Sabah.

He said it was wrong to make such claims merely because those with UEC certificates but hold overseas degrees were hired by statelinked companies.

He cited Sabah as an example where the recognition of UEC was subject to conditions and similar to the general entrance requirement for local universities.

“There must be a proper definition of the word recognition. Don’t recognise something which the people don’t accept and feel disappointed,” he said.

Task force chairman Eddin Khoo Bu Eng meanwhile said views raised at the dialogue would be taken into consideration, noting that Dr Wee had raised some pertinent points.

The task force is expected to submit its findings and recommendations to the Education Ministry at the end of this month which would then present it to the Cabinet.

PPDUEC was formed in October last year to study the recognition of UEC. Pakatan in its election manifesto had also promised to recognise UEC.

Besides Khoo, other members of PPDUEC are Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia president Mohamad Raimi Ab Rahim and Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce president Datuk Tan Yew Sing.