The purpose of Education Minister Maszlee Malik saying that he will ensure Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) recognition does not threaten the status of the national language is to assuage the fears of doubters, says his deputy Teo Nie Ching.
Speaking to reporters after a groundbreaking ceremony in SMK Seri Kembangan, Teo stressed that the move would threaten neither Bahasa Malaysia nor national unity.
“We know who the target groups are. In our country, there are some quarters like PAS, Umno Youth and others who are worried that the recognition of the UEC will affect the status of Bahasa Malaysia and national unity, and we are saying 'No, it won’t’.
“The requirement for university entry is that UEC holders must score at least a credit in Bahasa Malaysia (at the SPM level),” she said.
On Sunday, Teo said that the she is aiming to have UEC recognised by year-end.
Maszlee then stated that Putrajaya would first need to considercertain aspects before the certificate is recognised, chiefly the status of Bahasa Malaysia and national harmony.
A number of Chinese organisations attacked the minister for being misleading after his statement.
Teo admitted at the ceremony today that she has not met Maszlee since the statement was made, but said she understood the meaning of his remarks nonetheless.
“What he said doesn't mean that the recognition of UEC will affect these two aspects (Bahasa Malaysia and national harmony). The message Maszlee is trying to deliver is to ask them not to worry,” she said.
The deputy minister reiterated that she will work towards having the certificate recognised by the end of the year, but that it would ultimately depend on the decision of the cabinet.
"This is beyond my authority. This is the decision of the cabinet. I have no power to say UEC will definitely be recognised by this year."
"I can't make a decision beyond my authority," she said, adding that she hopes the public will give her more time to work on the issue.
The UEC, which is issued to graduates of Chinese independent high schools, is currently recognised by local private higher education institutions and many universities overseas, as well as the Sarawak government.
The Malacca government had recently announced it will begin recognising the UEC as a formal qualification for entry into state civil service. - Mkini
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