Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the Education Ministry will amend its policy to allow students from non-government schools to sit only for Bahasa Malaysia and History papers for SPM.
He said those who obtain credit in Bahasa Malaysia and pass in History will become eligible to apply for admission to public universities.
Speaking at the handover ceremony for this year’s allocation to Chinese independent high schools at Pay Fong High School in Malacca today, Loke said the cabinet had clarified at its meeting yesterday that any student who meets these requirements would qualify to apply to public universities.
The DAP secretary-general noted that existing regulations require candidates to sit for at least six subjects to take SPM.
As such, the Education Ministry will revise the policy to allow students from non-government schools, including Chinese independent schools, international schools and religious schools to sit only for the two subjects.
On implementation details, Loke said Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek will meet with Dong Zong on Monday for further discussions, after which, a joint statement will be issued.
“Any student will be allowed, not only Chinese independent high school students or those sitting for UEC, but also students from religious schools, including tahfiz institutions, as well as international schools.
“If they wish to enter local public universities, they will be allowed to sit only for these two subjects: Malay Language and History,” said Loke.
Still ironing out details
He also stressed that many details regarding the implementation of the higher education policy still need to be worked out, and the policy was not the result of political hype.
“We are not saying that we have made an announcement and that’s the end of it. On this issue, I want to emphasise that we are not playing politics.
“We understand that this is a mission shared by everyone, especially the Chinese Malaysian community. It is not about politics.
“This is a collective responsibility and a shared mission of the entire Chinese community. It does not matter who accomplishes it, or which government achieves it, that is not important.
“What matters is that UEC students will have an additional pathway in Malaysia in the future. That is what is truly important,” the minister said.
Addressing brain drain
Loke noted that UEC is already recognised by the world’s top 200 universities, allowing UEC holders to pursue further studies overseas, but not in local public universities, which is a situation that inevitably leads to brain drain.
“What is regrettable is that they can go anywhere in the world to further their studies, but they cannot enter local public universities. That is indefensible,” he said.
“So, no matter what, we must see this through to completion. This so-called ‘last mile’ must be finished. In fact, we are no longer at the last mile; we are already at the university gates. Now, we must push through.
“Public universities must accept UEC students. This is our collective mission and responsibility, and I hope we can complete this work,” he stressed.
‘No compulsory requirement to take SPM’
At a press conference later, Loke reiterated that there is no requirement mandating all students to sit for the SPM.
“If a UEC student wishes to enter a local public university, then they must fulfil the requirements of these two subjects.
“If they are not planning to enter a local public university, or do not intend to apply to one, then there is no necessity. So, it is not the case that everyone must sit for the SPM.
“If UEC is accepted as one of the entry requirements for universities, then it is certainly equivalent to A Levels,” he said.
Asked whether UEC holders could enter the civil service, Loke said the fundamental issue still comes down to whether students are accepted into local universities.
“The most fundamental issue is whether they are able to enter local universities. For example, if you want to become a civil servant, the primary qualification is a university degree.”
‘Opened a pathway but…’
Dong Zong chairperson Tan Yew Sing said in his speech that the prime minister’s announcement had opened a pathway for UEC students to enter public universities, but noted that the federal government had never explicitly mentioned “recognition of the UEC”.
He also said recognition of UEC encompasses multiple aspects, including university admission, entry into the civil service, scholarship eligibility, and access to educational resources, and urged the federal government to take a cue from the Sarawak government.
“With the current direction, there is still some hope, and we will proactively engage the Education Ministry to discuss the details.
“At this stage, things are not yet clear, but at least there is a pathway to explore and develop.
“However, this does not mean we are satisfied with the current situation, because what is being discussed now does not meet the standard, nor does it fulfil our expectation of full recognition of UEC,” he said. - Mkini
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