GPMS says 'no' to UEC recognition in front of Najib

Gabungan Pelajar Melayu Semenanjung (GPMS) has urged Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak not to recognise the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) for public university entrance applications.

The call, in Najib's presence, was made by GPMS president Zambri Mohd Isa who said that the UEC curriculum had ciplak (copied) from Taiwan and clearly does not follow Malaysia's national education policies.

"GPMS wants to state clearly that we urge the government under Najib's leadership to reject any recognition for UEC for public university entrances...

"GPMS understands that he is a prime minister for all Malaysians regardless for race or religion, but GPMS hopes that he would reconsider any recognition because the issue is not merely a racial issue, but a matter of respecting the national education system and the UEC clearly does not respect the education system in this country.

"Therefore, GPMS is of the view that there should not be two examination systems for university entrance, which would affect the opportunities for SPM graduates," he said.

Zambri said this during his opening address at GPMS' 62nd annual general meeting in Kuala Lumpur today. The event was later officiated by Najib, who is also the Umno president and the GPMS patron.

His speech came about a fortnight after MCA's own annual general meeting, where MCA president Liow Tiong Lai urged Najib to allow public universities to accept applicants holding UEC certificates.

Najib was also present when Liow made his plea during the Nov 14 event.

UEC grads lack patriotism

The UEC is a standardised test administered at Chinese independent high schools in Malaysia and is recognised by top universities abroad as well as private universities in Malaysia, but not by Malaysian public universities.

Speaking to reporters later, Zambri said having two parallel examination systems would keep students separate, which in turn would exacerbate racial divisions.

Malaysians should also support the policy of its own government, he said, including the national education system that is formulated to improve education standards in the country.

In contrast, he said, the UEC system originated from Taiwan.

"We don't know about UEC’s transparency and integrity, and it does not follow the national education system.

"As far as we can tell, UEC has nothing on national integration, is silent on history, and doesn't have the gist on national issues.

"In the end, we see that UEC graduates are lacking in patriotism," he said.

Find common ground with PAS

On another matter, Zambri urged Najib in the latter's capacity as Umno president to attempt to find common ground with PAS.

He said in his speech that it was GPMS' dream to see the two largest Malay political parties in Malaysia work together for the betterment of the Malays and Muslims.

Zambri also voiced GPMS opposition to "street politics" and "violent politics", including illegal rallies.

He urged the government to take stern action against any group or individuals that pose a threat to peace and cause a disturbance in Malaysia.

"GPMS is of the view that it is time for all Malaysians to oppose the politics of hatred and instead cultivate mature politics in Malaysia, as a constitutional democracy," he said.

Asked at a press conference later, he said he was not referring to any particular group, but any group that partakes in street politics and violent politics.- Mkini