Education group Dong Zong has criticised the Higher Education Ministry’s conditions for Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) holders seeking admission to public universities, saying the policy falls short of educational equality.
In a statement today, Dong Zong said the ministry’s recent announcement allowing UEC holders from Chinese independent secondary schools to apply to public universities was “vague” and imposed numerous restrictions.
The group said the move appeared to be “a mere perfunctory gesture” that failed to meet the expectations of the Chinese community.
“On the surface, it accepts UEC holders into the public university system, yet in practical operation, it restricts the evaluation system to the national education framework.
“This approach completely disregards the internationally recognised academic standards of the UEC and places UEC holders on the margins of the system,” it said.
Dong Zong questioned why UEC holders with full Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) qualifications could apply for any courses through the UPUOnline system, while those who only sat for Bahasa Malaysia and History subjects under the Malaysian Examinations Board were limited to four Chinese-related departments.
“Why is there such a significant difference in the choice of academic departments for students who are equally holders of the UEC from Chinese independent secondary schools?
“What is the rationale for establishing these two different standards? The authorities must clarify this as soon as possible,” it said.
‘Limited articulation model’
The group also criticised the ministry for failing to explain how merit points would be calculated, as well as not providing details on application dates.
“The authorities must provide a public explanation to avoid leaving students and parents at a loss due to the lack of transparency in information,” it said.
Dong Zong further argued that the “limited articulation model” for UEC holders who only possess SPM Bahasa Malaysia and History qualifications would severely restrict students’ higher education planning and development opportunities.
“The Chinese community has long hoped that Chinese independent secondary school students could apply for all public university departments based on their UEC results.
“The current adoption of a limited and marginalised articulation model for the UEC is entirely unfavourable to the nation’s cultivation of talent,” it said.
The education group urged the government to recognise the long-term contributions of Chinese independent secondary schools and to “truly implement educational equality with an open mind” to stem the country’s brain drain. - Mkini
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