UKM expert says UEC recognition is a constitutional issue that should be resolved by the courts, not politics, to ensure fairness and clarity
PETALING JAYA: Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Malaysian Inclusive Development and Advancement Institute deputy director Dr Anuar Ahmad said the long-standing debate over the recognition of the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) in Malaysia should be resolved through the courts, rather than political channels.
“The issue is not about implementation or education quality. It has been (ongoing) since 1961.”
He said the government has allowed UEC examinations to be conducted in Chinese independent schools for decades.
What remains unresolved is the demand for full recognition, which would allow UEC holders to enter public universities or apply for public sector jobs on equal footing with STPM graduates.
“This is the core issue. Full recognition would create two parallel certifications: STPM under the national education system and the UEC.”
He added that the situation raises questions of fairness, particularly when students taking SPM and STPM study in Malay, while UEC students study in Mandarin.
“When applying to (public universities), this appears unequal, creating a perception of double standards.”
He suggested a single national certification, STPM, with options to include Mandarin, Tamil or other languages as exam components.
“This would remove the need for dual certifications while respecting linguistic diversity.”
He said the UEC debate is a legal, not an educational issue, adding that while it offers quality education and is accepted by private institutions, its recognition must comply with the Federal Constitution and relevant laws.
He urged the United Chinese School Committees’ Association (Dong Zong) to seek a court ruling for clarification.
“If the court finds that the certificate aligns with the Constitution, then it could be recognised. If it does not meet constitutional, language or education requirements, recognition cannot proceed.”
Anuar said other countries, including Singapore and China, do not officially recognise the UEC as equivalent to their education systems, even if the qualification is accepted for certain purposes abroad.
“This is not about oppression or discrimination. The solution is legal. Courts should decide the constitutionality of the certificate, and the government must respect that decision.”
He criticised the decades-long delay in resolving the matter.
“From 1975 to 2025, 50 years have passed without the matter being tested in court. Legal channels would have been faster than political debates.”
He drew parallels with court cases involving national-type primary schools (Chinese and Tamil), which were resolved through the judiciary.
In 2021, the High Court ruled the schools lawful under the Constitution. In 2023, the Court of Appeal upheld the decision and the Federal Court confirmed the rulings.
“After these rulings, no one disputes the legality of the schools. Similarly, the issue should be settled in court, with the ruling respected.”
He also said politicising the debate is unnecessary.
“The law decides. Once a court rules, it must be respected. This is the proper path forward for UEC recognition in Malaysia.”
He also urged all parties, including Dong Zong, to take the legal route for a definitive and lasting solution.
“Once the law speaks, everyone must accept it.
“This is how we ensure fairness, legality and clarity in our education system.”
National Union of the Teaching Profession secretary-general Fouzi Singon said Malaysia places a high value on harmony and national unity, which relies on shared standards in language and education.
He said fully recognising the certificate could set a precedent, leading other communities to demand similar recognition and potentially upset the social balance.
“The UEC is designed to meet foreign systems, such as those in Taiwan or China and may not align with Malaysia’s educational needs or standards.”
