In a segment of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's Teacher's Day speech last week that was not widely highlighted, the premier said that Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) graduates would not be constrained to just language-related courses in public universities.
However, he said this has not been made official yet due to additional layers of approval required.
"We decided to put in (SPM Malay language and History) requirements so that some of them can take certain courses, language, and some curricula - maybe accountancy and such.
"Why were we not able to announce all at once? According to the Higher Education Minister (Zambry Abdul Kadir) he has to bring it to professional bodies, because while the government can make a decision, the certificate accreditation is from professional bodies - so we will leave it to the minister to follow up.
"But this will not be limited to language courses only," Anwar said, adding that universities will also play a role in deciding which courses UEC graduates can apply for.
On Friday, it was announced that UEC graduates who scored a distinction in the Malay language and passed History in SPM would be eligible to apply for four Chinese-related courses.
These are Chinese language studies, Chinese language and linguistics, Chinese studies, and Chinese language with education.
However, Dong Zong questioned why they were being limited to these subjects, whereas UEC graduates who sat for the full SPM examination could apply for any public university course.
‘Doors being gradually opened’
Anwar's remarks last Friday crossed into PAS Youth's radar today, prompting their ire.
The wing's vice-chief Hanif Jamaluddin said this confirmed “fears” that, gradually, the doors were being opened for UEC graduates at the expense of national principles.
Hanif said the majority of Chinese students sit for SPM, and only a minority go for UEC - raising questions as to why the government put in so much effort for them.
"Logically, there is no pressing need for the government to strive to elevate UEC as a matter of national importance.
"Unless there is pressure from 'big brother' behind the scenes who always roars when their demands are not fulfilled," he said, in a veiled dig at DAP. - Mkini
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