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KUALA LUMPUR: The date for the recognition of the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) remains uncertain despite the government’s assurance that it would be dealt with next year, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong (pic).
“When it will be done… on Jan 1 or Dec 31? The date remains uncertain,” the MCA deputy president and MP for Ayer Hitam told reporters at Parliament lobby on Monday (Oct 29).
“This is proof that they are making a u-turn again,” he added.
Dr Wee was referring to the answer given by Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik that a special committee, to be headed by Pusaka founder and director Eddin Khoo, has been set up to study UEC’s recognition.
The minister said that the committee will be helped by his Ministry to prepare a report to be submitted to the Cabinet to decide on the matter next year.
“This is because UEC is not just about examinations, but it also involves issues on law, national integration and the future of the children,” he said in reply to Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid (BN-Padang Terap) who asked to state current status of the holistic study done on the UEC.
Dr Wee took Dr Maszlee to task, saying he had failed to elaborate on the workings of the proposed committee and how it intends to implement its recommendations to the Cabinet.
“All I know is that Eddin Khoo is the son of historian Professor Tan Sri Khoo Kay Kim.
“Is the appointment because of his father?
“The minister should state clearly the criteria and credentials behind the appointment,” he added.
Dr Wee said that the committee should also resolve the issue on whether a mandatory pass in the subject of history is required before the UEC is recognised.
“Please do some homework and don’t make rash announcements.
“Don’t divert attention by accusing the Opposition of trying to play up the issue,” he added.
Dr Wee, who was a former deputy education minister, noted this was the third time Pakatan Harapan had given a date on the UEC’s recognition after promising that it would do so immediately after taking over Putrajaya.
Deputy Education Minister Teo Nie Ching had previously said that it would take at least a year to recognise the UEC while Dr Maszlee later said it would be done within five years.
Dr Maszlee, in a Sin Chew Daily report on Oct 20, disclosed the setting up of the special committee whose key members include Dong Zong (United Chinese School Committees Association) deputy president Tan Yew Sing, Eddin Khoo and Abim (Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia) president Mohamad Raimi Ab Rahim.
Dr Maszlee said the trio will conduct an objective survey on UEC, including seeking a consensus on the independent Chinese school certificate’s recognition among the various interested parties.
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