The debate about the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) from Chinese independent schools has been ongoing for some time and Perak Mufti Tan Sri Harussani Zakaria has joined in with a statement as well. Yesterday (July 25), he urged the government not to go ahead with the recognition of UEC from Chinese independent schools as it will pose a threat to national unity, as reported by The Sun.
Source: Malay Mail
He said that recognising the Chinese-language school leaving certificate will threaten the status of Bahasa Melayu as the national language.
“The racial unity is premised on Bahasa Melayu as the medium of instruction in the National Education Policy. 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,” he added.
Source: NST
The cleric’s statement was in response to an announcement made by Perak Mentri Besar Ahmad Faizal Azumu on Sunday (July 22) that the state government will do the same if the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government recognises the UEC.
So far, there are approximately 60 independent Chinese-medium schools in Malaysia, in which over 20 of them are located in East Malaysia.
The UEC has limited recognition in Sarawak, Selangor, Malacca, and Penang. UEC holders who want to apply for civil service jobs in these areas have to score at least a credit in Bahasa Melayu.
Source: Malaysian Chinese News
The mufti urged the government to adhere to the current National Education Policy, which was based on the Razak Report 1956 and Rahman Talib Report 1960.
He further stated that the UEC was rejected in the past by Tunku Abdul Rahman, and former Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) leaders Tun Tan Cheng Lock and Tun Tan Siew Sin, as an effort to enhance national unity.
Harussani said the government should 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.”
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Also read: Malay UEC Grad Shares How Studying in Chinese Schools Actually Promotes Unity
