‘UEC review talks going smoothly’

KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Education Minister Teo Nie Ching said discussions on reviewing the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) with Dong Zong and stakeholders has been smooth thus far.

“We hope to complete the study at the end of the year,” she told theSun yesterday after the flag handover ceremony to the National Sports Council in conjunction with the 10th Asean School Games.

She declined to elaborate further on the matter.

Recently, Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik said the prejudiced views of some sectors of the public towards the UEC must be resolved before any decision on the recognition of the UEC.

He said the issue should be discussed more thoroughly and involve more stakeholders.

“It’s not an issue of when and how long it will take … but the issue of the national language and the unity of the people as primary factors that have to be settled.

“Many questions have emerged because many people are still uncertain on the issue (of the UEC).

“Many think that the UEC is a reason to reject the national language,” he told reporters when approached at the Parliament lobby.

As part of its electoral promises, Pakatan Harapan pledged to recognise UEC within 100 days of gaining federal power.

The UEC, which is issued to graduates of Chinese independent high schools, is recognised by local private higher education institutions and many universities overseas.

It has received limited recognition as an entry qualification in Sarawak, Selangor and Penang. – by Elly Fazaniza