We are endangering national unity with UEC, says Perak Mufti

PETALING JAYA: Perak Mufti Tan Sri Harussani Zakaria has warned that national unity will be endangered if the government recognises the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) from Chinese independent schools.
The cleric said the Chinese-language school leaving certificate threatens the status of Bahasa Melayu as the national language, adding that it would impact the spirit of racial unity.
"The racial unity is premised on Bahasa Melayu as the medium of instruction in the National Education Policy," he said in a statement today.
"It will be upsetting if the UEC is recognised because it will open a space for other races by raising the spirit of racialism that can jeopardise the existing harmony in the country."
Harussani was responding to Perak Mentri Besar Ahmad Faizal Azumu's announcement three days ago that the state government "will follow suit" if the Pakatan Harapan (PH) federal government recognises the UEC.
There are about 60 independent Chinese-medium schools in Malaysia, with over 20 of them in East Malaysia.
The UEC has limited recognition in Sarawak, Selangor, Malacca and Penang, which means its holders can apply for jobs in the civil service provided they score a credit in the national language subject.
The mufti pointed out that the right policy to adhere to was the current National Education Policy, which was drawn up according to the Razak Report 1956 and Rahman Talib Report 1960.
He added that past leaders like first prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman and former MCA leaders Tun Tan Cheng Lock and Tun Tan Siew Sin had rejected the UEC during their time, and showed the government's intention in prioritising on national unity.
He urged the current government to take into account the public sentiment when planning a new education policy.
"They should not just accept suggestions and implement it without looking into the consequences of the policy," Harussani stated.
The four-party PH coalition had promised to recognise the UEC in its election manifesto.
Education Minister Maszlee Malik recently reiterated that the new administration will fulfil this pledge, despite claims that recognising the UEC would throw the country's education system into disarray and hamper national identity and racial integration efforts.