Perak to accept UEC with BM pass condition

IPOH: Perak is open to the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) being recognised on the condition that its holders obtain a credit in the SPM Bahasa Malaysia paper.
Mentri Besar Ahmad Faizal Azumu said as a Pakatan Harapan (PH) state government, they will follow the Federal Government's lead in recognising the UEC.
"The Minister (Maszlee Malik) said the recognition is going in that direction, and if the Federal Government agrees, we will follow," he told a press conference after presenting scrolls to 800 graduates from community colleges in Perak, here today.
Ahmad Faizal said the state was also open to recruiting UEC holders into the civil service, if they can speak Bahasa Malaysia and acquire an SPM-level credit.
"There is no reason to hold back the opportunities of UEC holders ... it was some misunderstanding about the examination pledge made by PH in its manifesto.
"The outcry came about on the assumption that there would be no more command of Bahasa Malaysia," he added.
"However when you read our manifesto, it states UEC will be recognised with two conditions ... be able to speak Bahasa Malaysia and have a credit in that language."
"The public must view the move with an open heart and mind as it could foster a closer interracial relationship.
"My worry is that when some who are anxious to talk about it and come to the point that it hurts the feelings of the other races," he added.
He pointed out some manufacturers in Ipoh had put Mandarin as a condition for job opportunities.
"This is something that we compromise on," he added.
On a separate matter, Ahmad Faizal said the GLCs and private sector support and cooperation is needed to push forward the state's education system.
"Education is the state's utmost priority but we need the help of the entire community," he added.
The UEC, which is issued to graduates of Chinese independent high schools, is currently recognised by local private higher education institutions and many universities overseas, as well as in Sarawak.
PH in its manifesto had promised that the UEC would be acceptable for entry into public higher education institutions.