IT is really much ado about nothing when it comes to the Pakatan Harapan government’s move to allow students from independent Chinese schools to enter public universities in the country. 

As it is, private higher learning institutions have no problem to accept students with Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) qualification. 

The fact that the PH manifesto has stated that UEC would be considered for acceptance makes it necessary for the new government to go for speedy implementation and not engage in endless debates about whether there is need for further study on the matter. 

If UEC acceptance is predicated on the need to obtain credit in Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) and the fact that the medium of instruction is in Bahasa Malaysia, then what is the real problem?

As the furore over UEC is taking an overt political line, there is little or hardly any debate about the ossified nature of admission into public universities. 

Currently, admissions are allowed for students with qualifications in SPTM, matriculation and diploma.

Unlike public or private universities in other countries where admission is based on points of entry, Malaysian public universities have been stuck with three entry points for a long time. It is about time things changed for the better.

It not about UEC per se but about bringing dynamic changes to institutions of higher learning in the public realm.

If our public universities can open up from the preoccupation with language nationalism, then it might herald well for the future of higher learning institutions in the country.

We are being told that before a decision could be made on the admissibility of UEC, a study had to be done. I really do not understand why a study had to be done on UEC if the objective is academic or professional in nature.

Let sanity and professionalism prevail on UEC. It is not about appeasing the conservative and reactionary forces, but living up to the PH manifesto and the spirit of the new government in Putrajaya. – August 10, 2018.

* P Ramasamy is the deputy chief minister of Penang.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.