Kuala lumpur: The government has assured that all aspects related to the United Examination Certificate (UEC) will be comprehensively evaluated in line with the interests of the public and the country's education system, said Minister of Higher Education Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir. He stated that while it was normal for various parties to have different opinions regarding the matter, the government will ensure every decision made takes into account all relevant aspects in the interest of the people.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Zambry emphasized that the government does not take lightly concerns regarding the need for the Bahasa Melayu and History subjects in schools that do not follow the national curriculum. He highlighted that this issue does not only involve the UEC but encompasses all non-national education streams, including international and religious schools. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has also repeatedly emphasized the need for Bahasa Melayu and History subjects for all non-national education streams.
Zambry explained that the government aims to address the structure of the country's overall education system. He made these remarks after attending the North Zone 'Kembara Karisma Pemimpin Muda MADANI' Programme at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), which was also attended by Higher Education director-general Datuk Dr Azlinda Azman. He noted that the issue of recognizing the UEC must not be viewed in isolation because it involves the entire education system, which is not based on the national curriculum.
Discussions have been held with various parties, including international schools, religious schools, and UEC-related parties, to avoid any policy discrepancies. Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek had also held engagement sessions with stakeholders, and the outcome of these discussions will be taken to the next stage for a joint decision. Zambry reiterated that the government will make a decision after considering all aspects of public interest.
Meanwhile, Zambry mentioned that the Ministry of Higher Education continues to strengthen strategic collaboration between universities and industry by emphasizing work-based implementation. He cited the collaboration between USM and local high-tech company Vitrox as an example of the implementation of this concept, where the industry not only provides training opportunities but also establishes colleges within their own industrial premises.