PUTRAJAYA must stand by its decision not to recognise the United Examinations Certificate as doing so would ignite Malay anger, said Malay rights pressure group Perkasa today.

Its deputy president, Sirajuddin Salleh, said recognising UEC would be a bid to fish for Chinese votes in the 14th general election, and it was likely that Dong Zong (United Chinese School Committees Association) would raise the issue as the polls drew closer.

“We think this is a very dangerous issue that will not benefit the country. Government recognition of UEC will only destroy the harmony we have now,” said Sirajuddin in Kuala Lumpur today.

“The government needs to reject this although elections are near.”

Sirajuddin said it was also against national education policy and the Education Act 1996.

“Perkasa is against any attempt to approve UEC, as it is no more than a political ploy.

“We urge all political leaders to stop playing with fire. More people will be angry if they try to accept UEC officially. By then, it will be too late,” he added.

The UEC is a standardised test for Chinese independent high school students organised by the United Chinese School Committees Association since 1975. 

The Higher Education Ministry told Parliament in March that it was willing to consider recognising UEC for the purposes of entry to public universities if it meets stipulated conditions.

Minister Idris Jusoh said among the conditions was that evaluation of the certificate must be done by the Malaysian Examinations Board and not an independent body.

Perkasa also criticised Pakatan Harapan’s manifesto, which included a promise to recognise UEC if the opposition coalition wins the next election.

“Nobody should approve UEC on the basis … it will tear the country apart. We also don’t agree with PH’s election promise to recognise UEC, but that is their right.

“By and large, we don’t agree with any party that want to recognise UEC,” Sirajuddin told The Malaysian Insight.

PH Youth said that the opposition would recognise UEC if it came to power.

“The Selangor, Penang and Sarawak state governments have recognised UEC. This policy should also be implemented throughout Malaysia to prevent the outflow of talent.

“BN has failed in the country’s education system, so, PH will ensure that education gets the priority it deserves,” said PKR youth chief Nik Nadzmi Nik Ahmad in July. – October 9, 2017.