CALLS have intensified for the Malaysian government to take a firm stance against recognising the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) in the country, with experts and educators warning that such recognition could threaten the national education system and disrupt social cohesion.
National University of Malaysia (UKM), Institute of Ethnic Studies (KITA) Senior Fellow Professor Datuk Dr Teo Kok Seong said recognition of the UEC conflicts with the principles of national education, which is anchored on the Malay language as the main medium of instruction and follows the national curriculum.
“All Malay leaders, regardless of political affiliation, must unite to reject any attempt to recognise the UEC because it not only poses a threat to the education system and national education direction but could also widen racial divisions,” he told Sinar Harian.
He stressed that while private Chinese schools may offer the UEC, the government should never allow the certificate to be integrated into the national education system. “The controversy being reignited now is simply a political play to regain support from the Chinese community, but the reality is it risks creating chaos in the country,” he said.
Dr Teo also criticised some Malay leaders for issuing unclear statements on the matter, suggesting support for UEC recognition, which he described as damaging to national unity.
“We must defend the country’s national identity. No Malay leader should support efforts to recognise the UEC,” he added.
The Malaysian Union of Malay Teachers (KGMMB) has also reaffirmed its opposition to UEC recognition. President Mohd Sobri Yusof said the stance is grounded in the principles of the National Education Policy, which prioritises national unity, a standardised curriculum, and the primacy of the Malay language.
“The UEC offered in private Chinese secondary schools does not use the national curriculum standard and does not adopt Malay as the main medium of instruction.
“Recognition of UEC risks creating a dual education system and reinforcing racial divides, undermining decades of nation-building efforts,” Mohd Sobri said in a statement.
He highlighted that concerns over UEC recognition have been raised since the early 2000s by academics and civic organisations, citing inconsistencies with the Education Act 1996, the National Language Act 1963, and the principles of the Rukun Negara.
Mohd Sobri also expressed support for Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek’s firm stance in defending national education policy against political pressures that could destabilise the current system.
KGMMB reaffirmed its commitment to partner with the Ministry of Education to ensure that policies are effectively implemented.
“Malaysia can only produce a knowledgeable, morally upright, and united generation through a strong education system rooted in the Constitution and national values,” he said. - December 13, 2025
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