Kota Kinabalu: The Bahasa Malaysia pass rate in the SPM examination among Chinese independent schools in Sabah for 2022, 2023 and 2024 already exceeded the national pass rate across all school streams, said Parti Warisan Likas Assemblyman Tham Yun Fook.
“Therefore, graduates of Chinese independent schools clearly meet the constitutional requirement regarding proficiency in the national language,” he said.
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He was replying to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar’ Ibrahim’s remarks regarding recognition of the UEC, where he (Anwar) emphasised that any language-related demands, including proposals to recognise the UEC, must take into account the status of the national language as enshrined in the Federal Constitution.
Tham also accused Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) Chairman Datuk Asyraf of misleading the public with a claim that “many top universities in China do not recognise the
Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) as an entry requirement”.
He said the UEC has long been recognised by top universities in China, although not the sole admission criterion.
“Leading Chinese universities such as Peking University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University and even Qinghua University recognise UEC results as part of their admission assessment.
In addition, universities in Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau, as well as most universities in the United Kingdom and Australia, explicitly list the UEC as a valid qualification for entry into the first year of university studies,” he said.
“The Chinese independent education system provides direct pathways to higher education, while preserving students’ academic competence and multilingual strengths, fully demonstrating the integrity of the education system and its international competitiveness in the context of globalised and diversified education,” he said.
He said recognition of the UEC should not be limited to a mere approval letter, but involve a comprehensive review and clear specification of the benefits accorded to UEC holders.
He said the UEC at upper secondary level should be recognised as equivalent to STPM, enabling UEC graduates to enjoy advantages over SPM holders in terms of employment opportunities, starting salaries, and educational pathways.
“However, as Parti Warisan did not succeed in forming the state government, the Sabah Government was unable to implement these Chinese education-friendly policies.
“Nevertheless, as an opposition assemblyman, particularly with the newly established Sabah State Ministry of Education, I will ensure that Chinese education is not marginalised,” he said.
He said Sabah Education Minister Datuk James Ratip agreed to seek his assistance on matters related to safeguarding education rights in the state.
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