Acknowledge certificate as part of broader strategy while setting clear conditions to align with national language goals, say experts
PETALING JAYA: The debate over recognising the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) should focus on educational merits and national interest rather than politics, say educationists.
National Association of Private Educational Institutions deputy president Dr Teh Choon Jin highlighted that the UEC is recognised by private universities in Malaysia and abroad, and that states such as Sarawak and Sabah have successfully incorporated it into state education and employment systems.
He urged policymakers to evaluate the certificate within a broader educational framework, adding that framing the issue solely around language or politics risks polarising the discussion and overlooking student outcomes.
“Malaysia has always operated within a diverse education landscape.
“We already coexist with national schools, vernacular schools, international schools and universities that teach primarily in English.
“Despite this diversity, our national identity has remained intact,” he said.
Teh emphasised that Bahasa Melayu must remain the cornerstone of national identity, with mastery of the language continuing as a priority.
He said at the same time, the practical reality of English as the global language of science, technology and international engagement cannot be ignored.
“Appreciating multilingualism does not weaken unity, it reflects a confident and forward-looking society. Unity is built when all education streams operate within a common national framework, not when diversity is viewed as a threat,” he said
Teh also said recognising the UEC would not conflict with Article 152 of the Federal Constitution, which upholds Bahasa Melayu as the national language.
He said Malaysia has long recognised international qualifications such asA-Levels and the IB (International Baccalaureate), many taught in English, without affecting the status of Bahasa Melayu, and stressed that the medium of instruction should not be confused with respect for the national language.
On whether alternative certificates should only be recognised after nationwide mastery of Bahasa Melayu, Teh said the approach is well-intentioned but neither practical nor consistent.
He stressed that no education system waits for perfect outcomes before making policy decisions and that singling out the UEC would be unfair, as Malaysia already recognises international qualifications that do not require Bahasa Melayu.
“A more balanced approach is to recognise the UEC while setting clear conditions to align with national language goals and evaluating it as part of a broader education strategy,” Teh said.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia education expert Dr Anuar Ahmad said the government does not need to fully recognise the UEC, which has been allowed to operate in Malaysian private schools since 1975.
“In 2012, the UEC received partial or conditional recognition for the purpose of admitting trainee teachers into teacher training institutes for the Chinese language only.
“Now, the demand is for full recognition of the UEC, similar to SPM and STPM, despite it having operated under conditional recognition for decades,” he said.
Anuar stressed that all Malaysians, regardless of ethnicity, should support the national education system and work together to improve it.
“If there are shortcomings, we should (provide feedback) and suggest improvements, but not with the intention of dismantling the system.
‘The goal should be to strengthen our national schools,” he said.
Anuar added that Malaysia is unique in recognising vernacular schools as part of the national education stream, a system supported by legal rulings in Kota Bharu and Kuala Lumpur high courts in 2021.
“UEC does not originate from the national curriculum, and leaders must show patriotism by strengthening national schools (SK and SJK) rather than fragmenting the system further,” he added.
Recently, DAP deputy chairman Nga Kor Ming said his party plans to meet Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to push for recognition of the UEC for entry into public universities.
However, Anwar emphasised that any discussion on recognising the UEC or promoting other languages must respect the national language, whose position in the Constitution will continue to be defended.
Anwar said while there are demands to emphasise English or recognise alternative certificates such as the UEC, the national language must remain the “language of knowledge” mastered by all Malaysians.
