Talent without loyalty is useless, says Tee

The controversial preacher questions the patriotism of supports of the Unified Examination Certificate.

PETALING JAYA: Controversial preacher Ridhuan Tee Abdullah has criticised supporters of the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) who do not see the need for it to comply with the Education Ministry’s rulings.

In his latest article in Sinar Harian, Tee questions the patriotism of those who have recently called on the government to recognise the certificate, which is awarded to graduates of independent Chinese schools.

“Talent loses its importance if there’s no loyalty,” Tee says. “We do not need citizens who are traitors, even if they are bright.”

Among the politicians who have made the call is Sarawak Chief Minister Adenan Satem, who said Malaysia would lose more talent through a brain drain if the government persisted in refusing to recognise the certificate.

Tee questions the Chinese education administrators’ refusal to follow the Education Ministry’s regulations so that the government would recognise the certificate.

He clarifies that his beef with UEC is that its administrators have refused to adopt the National Education Policy and seem satisfied with the substandard teaching of Bahasa Malaysia and Malaysian History in Chinese schools. He says, “The requirements are simple. But they simply want to stick to their Chinese heritage. Should we allow this attempt to build a country within a country?”

He also questions UEC proponents’ highlighting of the international recognition of the certificate while ignoring the importance of building a national identity and encouraging patriotism among citizens.

“Our tolerance in celebrating diversity is exemplary, but it is not appreciated,” he laments.

He quotes a constitution expert’s opinion that disagrees with the call to recognise UEC. “According to Shad Saleem Faruqi, the constitution only grants the right to study the mother tongue, not to study other subjects in the mother tongue,” he pointed out.

He criticises the UEC proponents for listening only to the “ultra kiasu” and suggests that they talk to education experts, including himself. “Sit down with the Education Minister,” he says. “Ask the education experts. I am willing to offer my service as well.”

He also suggests that students in Chinese schools be made to sit for the SPM in addition to the UEC examination. “Sit for SPM as well and obtain two certificates” he says. “Why the lack of courage?”