Gov't has five years to recognise UEC, says minister

The government will decide on whether to recognise the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) after a detailed study within the next five years.

In a parliamentary written reply, Education Minister Maszlee Malik said although Pakatan Harapan had promised to recognise UEC as a pathway to public university entrance, this, however, cannot be rushed.

“The Education Ministry believes this matter must be seen in a holistic manner and a decision cannot be rushed. (Moreover,) the recognition of UEC is not part of Harapan's 100-day pledges.

“Any decision on UEC (will be made within) five years of the new administration following a detailed study… (which will) solicit views from various interested parties through consensus, while ensuring the importance of Bahasa Melayu and inter-ethnic harmony,” he added.

Maszlee was responding to Lanang MP Alice Lau, who had asked when Harapan's pledge to recognise UEC would be fulfilled.

Lau also asked whether Chinese private schools would receive government funding, to which Maszlee replied in the negative because such schools were not part of the national education system.

“Any development allocation should be sought from federal government agencies,” he said.

Maszlee previously told Parliament that his ministry would not fund private schools and such institutions should seek funding from the treasury. - Mkini