‘UEC recognition is based on needs’

IPOH: The Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) is something practical and its recognition is long overdue, says Perak Education Committee chairman Abdul Aziz Bari.

The constitutional law expert said the recognition of UEC was based on needs and not to challenge the status of Bahasa Malaysia as the nation’s official language.

“The Chinese language has commercial value, so let us not make it a racial issue that it’s anti-BM.

“It is merely a communication tool, especially in the current borderless world,” he told a press conference yesterday.

“It should not be politicised or seen as challenging the Malays.

“Let’s not see things narrowly and jump on the bandwagon, or else we will be seen as being right wing.”

Abdul Aziz was commenting on Perak Mufti Tan Sri Harussani Zakaria’s remark that UEC would challenge the status of Bahasa Malaysia, affect the National Edu- cation Policy and incite racism.

Abdul Aziz affirmed that Bahasa Malaysia would remain as the official language and its status, as enshrined in the Federal Constitution, would not be affected.

“There’s no proof that UEC will put national unity at risk.

“Will it cause fights? It’s not an issue unless people make it one,” he said, adding Bahasa Malaysia’s status has remained unchanged for 60 years.

“There are also Malay students in Chinese schools so there’s nothing racist about it.”

Abdul Aziz said Bahasa Malaysia is used for official government matters.

“Every official government matter will be in Bahasa. It is being used for official matters and also in Parliament.

“Allegations that recognising UEC would affect the status of Bahasa Malaysia under Article 152 of the Federal Constitution are wrong,” he said, adding such perspective has become stale in the current landscape.

“Certain parties are just using it as a diversion from other important issues.”

Meanwhile, Mentri Besar Datuk Ahmad Yakob said Kelantan will not recognise the UEC.

He said Kelantan would not “disrespect” the Federal Constitution and National Education Policy by recognising UEC.

“We must tackle this issue wisely, as it has a far-reaching impact on national interests,” he said.

He said this to newsmen yesterday when asked to comment on the contradictory stand taken by Harussani against Perak Mentri Besar Ahmad Faizal Azumu who supported UEC.

“We hope more groups would provide feedback to stop the implementation of such a policy that contradicts the spirit of the Federal Constitution.

“Such policies can further promote polarisation.”