UMNO Vice President Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani has urged that the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) debate should not be politicised, emphasising that every Malaysian has the right to choose their own educational path.
He highlighted the importance of mutual respect for the country’s varied educational systems.
“Every politician has their own views, that is normal. But for me, the most important thing is that all Malaysians respect what we already have.
“If someone disagrees with the UEC, they do not have to choose that stream. If others feel that the UEC is recognised internationally and wish to follow it, that is their choice,” Johari said during the launch of the UK PACT 2.0 Programme: Accelerating Malaysia-UK Climate Transition Cooperation.
He underscored that Malaysia offers multiple educational pathways, including universities, colleges, and different academic streams, without any compulsion.
However, Johari cautioned that national schools follow government-mandated syllabuses, and any changes must be approached with careful consideration.
The remarks come after UMNO Youth Chief Dr Akmal Saleh criticised the DAP, targeting Deputy Chairman Nga Kor Ming for suggesting that DAP would seek a meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to discuss international recognition of the UEC. Dr Akmal emphasised that his party would not compromise on the issue.
When asked about UMNO’s preparations for the by-elections in the Kinabatangan parliamentary seat and the Lamag state constituency in Sabah, Johari indicated that no final decisions had been made. “We are still waiting for the official announcement from the Election Commission (EC),” he stated.
Johari’s statements underline a broader call for tolerance and respect for educational diversity in Malaysia, even amid ongoing political debates surrounding the recognition and future of the UEC.- December 11, 2025
