1) Introduction
What Is UEC? Unified Education Certificate (UEC) is an examination organised and managed by the United Chinese School Committees’ Association of Malaysia (Dong Zong) since 1975.[1] Students of all Malaysian Independent Chinese Secondary Schools (MICSS)*, which are private educational institutions established under Education Act 1996 (EA 1996), are allowed to sit for such examination.[2] UEC is categorised into Junior Secondary (equivalent to PT3) and Senior Secondary (equivalent to STPM). Within the Senior Secondary category, it is subdivided into regular examination and vocational examination.[3] As far as this article is concerned, UEC here refers to the examination in Senior Secondary, which is a pre-University qualification equivalent to STPM/ Matriculation/ Foundation/ A-Level.[4] * In this article, ‘Dong Zong’ may bring the meaning of ‘Dong Jiao Zong’. However, the phrase ‘Dong Zong’ will be used throughout the article consistently to prevent confusion. To provide some context, MICSS are managed by the United Chinese School Teacher’s Association of Malaysia (Jiao Zong) and Dong Zong, collectively known as the Dong Jiao Zong. Establishment & Objectives of UEC The need for UEC emerged after the enactment of the Education Act 1961 in which government would no longer conduct examinations for MICSS. Therefore, between 1962 and 1974, all MICSS had to plan and organise their own examination for their respective school. Consequently, it led to inconsistency in examination standards and confusion. Therefore, pursuant to the Independent Chinese Secondary School Proposal 1973, a unified examination for these academic institutions was established.[5] UEC has four objectives, firstly, as its name implies, to standardise the assessment for all MICSS. Secondly, to equip UEC graduates with favourable conditions for their pursuit of employment and higher education. Thirdly, to provide local and foreign universities with an academic reference for admissions. Lastly, to provide an academic reference for employment purposes.[6] Some Features of UEC and MICSS As of 2021, there are 62 MICSS throughout Malaysia with a total number of 80,395 students.[7] Distinct from the national or national-type secondary schools, the medium of instruction in MICSS is Mandarin (a Chinese Language) except in language subjects such as English Language and Bahasa Malaysia.[8] However, UEC offers some core and crucial subjects in both Chinese and English Language such as the subjects in Maths and Science Stream as well as the Commerce papers (except for Economics) whereas other subjects are only available in Chinese Language.[9] Overall, the subjects offered by UEC are similar to STPM except “Pengajian Am”.[10] It is also important to note that the curriculum of MICSS is curated by Dong Zong with reference to the national education curriculum of the Ministry of Education, Malaysia.[11] Some MICSS also offer PT3 and SPM in compliance with the national curriculum for their students in light of Section 74 EA 1996.[12] Why ‘UEC Recognition’ matters? For the avoidance of doubt, the ‘recognition’ here refers to allowing UEC qualification as a means for admission to public universities (IPTA) as well as the civil service in Malaysia. According to statistics provided by Dong Zong, 11,430 candidates sat for UEC in 2022,[13] 11,497 candidates in 2021, 11,726 candidates in 2020 and cumulatively up to 287,480 UEC candidates until 2021 since 1975.[14] For reference, 42,369 candidates sat for STPM in 2021 and 44,704 candidates in 2020.[15] Therefore, in view of the vast number of UEC candidates annually, the government should not be oblivious to the future prospects of UEC candidates. Additionally, the issue of recognising UEC in Malaysia remains relevant and in need of due attention because of the polarising views which gradually dividing the nation if left unattended. Despite Dong Zong advised all relevant parties to approach the matter rationally from the education and academic point of view,[16] the issue was not freed from being politicised[17] and racialised by many irresponsible groups or individuals, asserting extreme, provocative or even impugned statements such as “Chinese supremacy” and “May 13 tragedy happened due to the issue”.[18] 2) Status of Recognition of UEC in Malaysia Calls for UEC Recognition and its Amendment Dong Zong had advocated for the recognition of UEC qualification by the federal government as earlier as 1979 for the admission of Chinese Teachers in Chinese National-Type Primary School and in 1983 for admission to IPTA.[19] However, the latter has not been achieved to date. Empty Promises In March 2018, Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong alleged that, in 2013, then Prime Minister, Dato’ Seri Najib Razak had offered to recognise UEC in a meeting with several members of Dong Zong but such offer was rejected.[20] The truth of the event, the exact content of the offer and the reasons of rejection were not explained or verified by any other party. Later in April 2018, around General Election 14 (GE14), then caretaker Prime Minister, Dato’ Sei Najib Razak had promised to recognise UEC provided that the students also took Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) and scored a minimum of grade “C” in Bahasa Malaysia and a pass in Sejarah.[21] Similarly, Pakatan Harapan (PH) also had listed recognising UEC as one of their manifestos for GE14 with the pre-requisite that the student obtained a minimum grade “C” in Bahasa Malaysia in SPM. Despite PH successfully obtained a simple majority and emerged as the winner in GE14, they failed to honour their manifesto of recognising UEC during its tenure. However, a task force, known as “PPDUEC” was established in the year-end of 2018 for the purpose of researching the viability of recognising UEC and its surrounding issues.[22] However, in August 2020, the then Minister of Education said that the report of the PPDUEC was not submitted to the Ministry and PPDUEC was deemed to be dissolved since its tenure was not extended in February.[23] Despite that, it is reported that PPDUEC was ready to present its report and findings to the Cabinet on the issue of UEC after multiple significant delays.[24] It is important to note that the PPDUEC report on UEC is not made public. Recognition by States and Other Bodies Despite the non-recognition of UEC at the federal level, some states have accredited the UEC qualification for the purpose of admission to IPTA and civil service with or without additional conditions. Firstly, as early as 2015, Sarawak,[25] Penang[26] and Selangor[27] had recognised UEC qualification for admission to the civil service and IPTA under the state. Furthermore, Melaka also follow their footsteps in 2018 unconditionally.[28] Lastly, in 2019, Sabah also recognised UEC qualification with additional requirement in MUET and SPM subjects such as Sejarah and Bahasa Melayu.[29] Besides, some professional bodies or certificates such as Chartered Association of Certified Accountants (ACCA),[30] The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)[31] and even our very own Certificate in Legal Practice (CLP)[32] had recognised UEC qualification. Moreover, the Ministry of Education had opened up a special intake in 2020 for Bachelor Degree of Teaching Programme (PISMP) in which UEC holders with SPM certificate were welcomed to apply.[33] Not to mention that UEC is widely recognised including multiple prestigious foreign universities which will be further discussed below. Despite the reluctance of the federal government to recognise UEC nationwide, its recognition within the states and various professions speaks for its quality and credibility. Thus, the government should take serious consideration in recognising UEC. 3) Analysis: For Recognising UEC Examination Quality and Worldwide Recognition In terms of quality assurance, UEC administration work was granted ISO certification in 2011, namely the ISO9001-2008 certifications for “The Implementation of Administrative Work of Unified Examination for Independent Chinese Secondary Schools” by the ISO bodies in Malaysia, China, United Kingdom (UK) and Japan.[34] Its quality can further be vouched by the recognition of more than 1,000 universities worldwide for its admission. To list a few prominent universities, UEC is recognised by the following institutions, National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, National Taiwan University and Taipei Medical University in Taiwan, University of Glasgow and University of Leeds in UK, Tsinghua University and Peking University in Mainland China, The University of Hong Kong, Seoul National University in South Korea, University of Tokyo in Japan, Toronto University in Canada, Yale University, California Institute of Technology and Columbia University in USA. The admission to these universities usually comes with an additional English requirement (e.g. IELTS, TOEFL, ...) similar to other foreign qualifications.[35] Undeniably, UEC possesses high standards, capable of global acknowledgement and may be on the same par with our very own STPM. Therefore, in terms quality, it is not an issue. Loss of talent (Brain Drain) As rightly alluded by Adenan Satem, Chief Minister of Sarawak in 2015, Putrajaya’s policy of not recognising the UEC was ‘stupid and senseless’ as it only led to exodus of talent to Singapore, Taiwan and even China which recognised the qualification.[36] Brain drain is defined as the migration of talent across borders.[37] It is a grave concern in Malaysia as it is estimated that 500,000 highly skilled individuals left Malaysia for more equitable or lucrative career opportunities overseas.[38] Besides, the World bank estimated that 1.1 million Malaysians live abroad.[39] While it might be due to affirmative action, gloomy economic outlook or poor governance in Malaysia, recognising UEC and allowing its graduate to study locally may improve the status quo. It is not true that these Malaysians wish to leave their homeland, but it is about the pursuit of acceptance and a better standard of living. If we keep UEC graduates at the bay, the loss of sense of belonging will surely contribute further to brain drain in Malaysia. UEC graduates have immeasurable potential, just like normal STPM graduates. As stated by State Deputy Education Minister, Dr Annuar Rapaee, it would be a waste of human capital if we do not recognise the UEC.[40] Embracing Diversity and Intellectual Exchange The curriculum of UEC and STPM are not entirely similar in terms of syllabus, content and language. Students of MICSS, though 98% Chinese,[41] may possess a different background and could introduce different perspectives to certain issues. Therefore, recognising UEC qualification and allowing diverse academic and cultural exchanges between students is favourable for the intellectual and personality development of student in tertiary education as diversity enhances creativity[42] and other soft skills.[43] Dr Annuar also opined that education should be progressive and allow for better and more diverse human capital.[44] Furthermore, mastering an additional language opens more doors for future opportunities. Being diverse in linguistic abilities is a positive development for more competitive human capital. Chinese language is primarily used in China — the 2nd largest economy in the world --[45] and Taiwan; educating oneself with Chinese language would allow expansion of career or business into these countries. Economical Pre-U UEC is a more economical pre-University qualification when compared to any foundation course provided by private universities or colleges. The former costs RM400 to RM5,500 a year while the latter would easily be more than RM 10,000.00 a year.[46] STPM and other pre-U qualifications are not comparable to UEC because of their duration or special condition. For instance, STPM takes 18 months after SPM[47] while most of the foundations[48] and matriculation programmes, though affordable, are subjected to racial quota (10% for non-Malay or non-natives).[49] 4) Analysis: Against Recognising UEC The federal government refused to recognise UEC because it is against the National Education Policy and EA 1996.[50] There are three main issues concerning it, namely, national language, national curriculum and national unity.[51] Before delving into the main issues, it must be stressed that MICSS is in compliance with Education Act 1996 as private education institutions and EA 1996 does not prescribe any rules on examination or UEC except on organising examinations. The government also did not specify the provisions which UEC has allegedly breached under EA 1996. Therefore, the legitimacy of MICSS and UEC are not in question. Against National Language Policy Article 152 of the Federal Constitution provides that the national language shall be the Malay language, however, no person shall be prohibited or prevented from using, except for official purpose, or from teaching or learning, any other language. Although UEC is mainly conducted in Chinese or English except on the subject of Bahasa Melayu, such feature will not jeopardise the position of Bahasa Melayu as the national language. Firstly, Bahasa Melayu is a compulsory subject for all UEC candidates and MICSS aims to produce trilingual talents. While BM is not the main medium of instruction, Bahasa Malaysia Society in all MICSS always encourage students to strengthen their Malay language, not just on paper, but also through participating in forums and competitions that apply the Malay language.[52] If compared to A-level, which is conducted in English language, UEC is just another version of it. If A-level can be recognised with ease, UEC should also be able to enjoy the same privilege. From a historical point of view, Chinese vernacular schools are undeniably an integral part of Malaysia’s history even before its independence due to the ‘divide and rule’ policy implemented by the British. As the Chinese saying goes, no matter how poor one is, one should be generous in education expenses. Since the Chinese immigration to Tanah Melayu, the Chinese community built their own school and brought in their language and culture. They have also braced through thick and thin together with all other Malaysia from pre-Merdeka until to date. Therefore, the Chinese language is not a foreign element but had already become a part of the unique diversity in Malaysia since pre-independence. As such, is it wrong for UEC and MICSS uses the Chinese language for most purpose? While recognising Bahasa Melayu is the national language, it is not unacceptable. It must be stressed that the question is not about diminishing the value of Malay Language as the national language but, from the educational point of view, allowing the students to learn some subjects such as Mathematics and Science in their own language, the Chinese language. As a reference, Mathematics and Science were allowed to be taught in English even in National Secondary Schools.[53] Moreover, UN Resolution A/RES/61/266 called upon Member States — also includes Malaysia — ‘‘to promote the preservation and protection of all languages used by peoples of the world’’.[54] Therefore, all students should have the right to education, to the extent of learning and mastering their own mother tongue albeit in-depth. Despite BM is not the main medium of instruction in UEC, the qualification should be recognised as efforts to strengthen students’ command on BM are in progress and to respect the right to master mother tongue. Against National Curriculum It is also argued that UEC is contrary to Nation Education Policy’s standardise curriculum, in addition to the national language. The most debated subject is the History or “Sejarah”. It is claimed that the History textbook of UEC glorified China and did not educate the students on the achievement of Malaysia.[55] Dong Zong has refuted it and clarified that the curriculum of UEC was drafted by them with contemplation and reference to the national curriculum. It is reported that UEC textbooks comprised 57.36% of national history and 42.64% of world history.[56] Therefore, it is not true that UEC did not elaborate on Malaysia history at all. The syllabus of UEC focuses more on the unique diversity in Malaysia. In other words, it is a localised, multi-dimensional and multi-cultural curriculum.[57] Against National Unity The most contentious issue surrounding recognising UEC is, undoubtedly, the national unity controversy. Even on the issue of national vernacular education established under EA 1996, some extremists or conservative groups are calling for its abolishment despite the government’s stance on preserving them.[58] Therefore, it is not difficult to imagine the degree of opposition that surfaced when efforts are made to recognise UEC. For example, some have argued that MICSS consists of mostly Chinese, focusing on the usage of Mandarin and therefore national unity cannot be nurtured.[59] Given the unique history of Malaysia, instead of pursuing uniformity, all parties should put more emphasis on “unity in diversity”. While Malays, Indians, Chinese and other ethnicities can retain and learn about their respective cultures and languages, they must be instilled with the values of tolerance and embracing diversity. Not all Chinese in vernacular schools have poor command of Malay language as there are actual statistics on it. [60] Over-generalisation and irrational racial statements are the common enemy of national unity. Furthermore, “unity in diversity” approaches are also adopted in the education system of Singapore and Indonesia due to their multi-cultural demography.[61] Therefore, since there is no actual facts and figure in substantiating that recognising UEC would hinder national unity, the government should be ready to recognise it. 5) Conclusion As a way forward, the government should recognise UEC for admission to IPTA and the civil service to honour its manifesto. All parties should approach the issue of UEC rationally and not politicising or racializing it. While it is acknowledged that there are still unsettled obstacles surrounding the UEC debate, solutions must be formulated through discussion and compromise. Also, Malaysian should embrace the unique diversity with tolerance instead of disputing the discrepancies. We hope that the PPDUEC could swiftly submit its report to the relevant authorities and publish it to the general public for transparency and healthy discussion. To quote Mikhail Gorbachev, the Nobel Peace Prize 1990 winner, ‘Peace is not unity in similarity but unity in diversity, in the comparison and conciliation of differences.’ Disclaimer: The article is merely an academic discussion to express the point of view towards the said issue. Written by Secretariat of Current Affairs 2022/23 👉 Check out @umsupress to find out more. 👉 Follow @umsupress to get yourself updated with the latest news #umsu #kmum #umsupress #universitimalaya #malaysia #UEC #MICSS #独中统考 REFERENCES: [1] https://www.dongzong.my/resource/images/doc/uec/UEC-BI-2018.pdf [2] https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2017/07/03/what-you-should-know-about-chinese-schools-in-malaysia/1412233 [3] https://www.dongzong.my/resource/images/doc/uec/UEC-BI-2018.pdf [4] https://www.dongzong.my/resource/images/doc/uec/UEC-BI-2018.pdf [5] https://www.dongzong.my/resource/images/doc/uec/UEC-BI-2018.pdf [6] https://www.dongzong.my/resource/images/doc/uec/UEC-BI-2018.pdf [7] https://www.dongzong.my/ebook/2021report/mobile/index.html [8] https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2017/07/03/what-you-should-know-about-chinese-schools-in-malaysia/1412233 [9] https://www.dongzong.my/resource/images/doc/uec/UEC-BI-2018.pdf [10] https://www.moe.gov.my/pendidikan/lepas-menengah/tingkatan-6/kurikulum [11] https://resource.dongzong.my/2018/1376-declare-2018-08 [12] https://www.therakyatpost.com/living/2020/07/19/what-is-uec-and-do-their-students-even-sit-for-pmr-or-spm/ [13] https://uec.dongzong.my/ [14] https://www.dongzong.my/ebook/2021report/mobile/index.html [15] https://www.hmetro.com.my/mutakhir/2022/08/872857/stpm-2021-tiada-lagi-jurang-pencapaian-calon-bandar-dengan-luar-bandar/ [16] https://www.dongzong.org.my/ebook/2018report/files/basic-html/page284.html ; https://www.hmetro.com.my/mutakhir/2022/11/909655/dong-zong-ajak-isu-pengiktirafan-uec-dibincang-secara-rasional [17] https://www.malaysianow.com/news/2022/10/25/parties-warned-against-uec-vote-bait-ahead-of-ge15 [18] https://pakdin.my/33585/ [19] https://resource.dongzong.my/uec-literature-n-information/1437-uec-literature-n-information-10 [20] https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2018/03/27/najib-had-offered-to-recognise-uec-before-2013-elections-says-wee/ [21] https://www.thestartv.com/v/najib-uec-recognition-part-of-bn-manifesto [22] https://www.moe.gov.my/pemberitahuan/kenyataan-media/kenyataan-media-penubuhan-pasukan-petugas-dasar-unified-examination-certificate-uec [23] https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2020/08/07/minister-says-yet-to-get-uec-report-from-task-force-that-no-longer-exists/1891723 [24] https://www.utusan.com.my/premium/2022/12/jawatankuasa-khas-uec-sedia-bentang-hasil-kajian/ [25] https://www.theborneopost.com/2015/09/22/sarawak-recognises-uec/ [26] https://www.mstar.com.my/lokal/semasa/2015/11/27/guan-eng-dikrikit-kerana-uec [27] http://dewan.selangor.gov.my/question/pengiktirafan-sijil-peperiksaan-bersatu-uec/ ; 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(2017). Mother tongue as a universal human right. International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 20(1), 161–165. https://doi.org/10.1080/17549507.2017.1392606 [55] https://ismaweb.net/2021/09/19/buku-teks-sejarah-uec-berkiblatkan-china-tak-ajar-kehebatan-malaysia/ [56] https://resource.dongzong.my/2018/1376-declare-2018-08 [57] https://resource.dongzong.my/2017/63-declare-2017-5 [58] https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/muslim-family-slam-%E2%80%98red-shirt%E2%80%99-calls-abolish-chinese-schools [59] themalaysianinsight.com/bahasa/s/78830 [60] https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2021/11/30/calls-to-abolish-vernacular-schools-not-about-bm-but-racism-says-ramasamy/ [61] https://www.umconstiteam.com/post/episode-14-vernacular-education-in-malaysia-a-right-or-a-privilege
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