UEC Contravenes Education Act, Not Aligned with National Education Policy, Says Mahdzir

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 13 — The Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) is clearly in contradiction with the Education Act 1996 (Act 550) and is not aligned with Malaysia’s National Education Policy (NEP), said former education minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid.

Mahdzir said the UEC also does not adhere to the core principles of the National Education Philosophy (FPK) as stipulated under Act 550.

“In my view, parties who continue to pressure the government to recognise the UEC must first read, understand and fully digest Act 550 before making any demands. This is a fundamental requirement when discussing issues within the framework of nationhood, where national foundations must take precedence,” he said in a media statement today.

He stressed that individuals or groups should not merely speak on issues without understanding the basic legal and policy foundations governing them.

Mahdzir further said parties that persistently and continuously demand recognition of the UEC must demonstrate greater maturity and avoid making reckless demands that are inconsistent with existing laws.

“I call upon political leaders from DAP as well as UEC advocates to respect Act 550 and to prioritise national interests, particularly in upholding the dignity of the country’s education system,” he said.

The UMNO Kedah liaison committee chairman added that the issue of UEC recognition should no longer be raised if its proponents genuinely respect the laws that have been clearly enshrined.

“I want to ask what is so urgent about recognising the UEC, when other internationally recognised certificates such as O-Level and IGCSE already exist and have long been recognised by the government,” he said.

Mahdzir noted that it is widely known the UEC does not align with the national education policy, particularly due to discrepancies in its curriculum, especially the History subject, which focuses on China and East Asian history rather than Malaysian history as required by the Ministry of Education (MOE).

He also pointed out that UEC does not adopt the National Curriculum and does not use Bahasa Malaysia as the medium of instruction, instead primarily using Mandarin.

In addition, Mahdzir said the UEC is not monitored or standardised by the MOE, unlike other private schools in the country.

“How can the government recognise the UEC when all these aspects are not aligned and clearly contravene Act 550? What is the justification for such recognition? The UEC should not be used as a political tool merely to gain political mileage,” he said.

Mahdzir warned that the UEC should be allowed to operate independently without interference, but cautioned against allowing it to become a divisive issue that could undermine harmony and national unity.

“Do not let it reach a point where it has to be completely banned if it becomes a malignancy that damages unity and social harmony in this country,” he said.