(Kuala Lumpur, 25th) The DAP Socialist Youth (DAPSY) National Executive Council highly affirms the Unity Government's decision to recognize the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC), describing it as a crucial reflection of the Unity Government and Pakatan Harapan's commitment to fulfilling their election manifesto, and a key step in responding to a long-standing social demand.
DAPSY issued a statement yesterday, following the announcement by DAP Secretary-General Loke Siew Fook, that the Cabinet has decided students holding the Chinese independent school UEC, in the future, only need to achieve a credit (Credit) in the Malay language subject and a pass (Pass) in the history subject, to be eligible to apply for local universities.
DAPSY pointed out that recognizing the UEC carries great significance—not only has this been an electoral promise of Pakatan Harapan and DAP for many years, but it also serves as an important affirmation of the Chinese community’s long-term commitment to education and upholding the value of educational diversity.
DAPSY emphasized that for years, Malaysia’s Chinese independent school system has nurtured a large number of outstanding talents for the country. However, due to the long-standing non-recognition of the UEC, these talents have faced systemic obstacles in further education and employment, and many have been forced to develop careers overseas, resulting in a severe talent drain that impacts the nation’s long-term development and strategic landscape.
"Today’s systemic correction does not only open more pathways for independent school students, but more importantly, is a crucial move to retain talent for the country and enhance our competitiveness—this deserves to be affirmed."
DAPSY directly stated that mother-tongue education is a right guaranteed by our Constitution; the existence of Chinese independent schools and the UEC has never been a “privilege” but is a part of a diverse education system rooted in constitutional principles.
Therefore, while the Unity Government recognizes the UEC, it also clearly requires independent school students to obtain a credit in Malay language and a pass in history in the SPM (Malaysian Certificate of Education), which in itself reflects respect for the national education framework and local context. It guarantees educational diversity while also ensuring that the national foundational requirements are not undermined.
"With such a system design, any further deliberate stoking of the UEC issue is no longer based on educational discussion, but rather on political motives."
DAPSY said that issues relating to Chinese independent schools and the UEC should be viewed from an educational perspective, rather than as ethnic or political tools. In reality, the education standards of Chinese independent schools and the UEC examination system have long been recognized by universities and academic institutions in many countries—this is beyond doubt.
"If higher learning institutions worldwide acknowledge the academic level of the UEC, then continued domestic denial only appears narrow-minded and does not benefit the nation’s talent development."
DAPSY also pointed out that the past inaction by MCA and Gerakan led to Chinese independent school students enduring long-term unfair treatment; as the UEC was not recognized, they were unable to enter national universities or serve in government agencies, and basic funding for Chinese independent schools was often lacking, with many times no allocations at all.
"It was only when Pakatan Harapan took power in 2018 that grants for independent schools finally saw a turning point. In recent years, under the Unity Government, related funding has gradually increased, demonstrating the government's sincerity through concrete action."
DAPSY stressed that recognition of the UEC should not be seen as the end point of reform. On the contrary, it is an important milestone as the Unity Government begins a series of reform agendas.
DAPSY urges the Unity Government to accelerate the pace of reform during the remainder of its term, to promote relevant policies with the utmost sincerity and efficiency, and to address unresolved issues, truly fulfilling its promises.
"The Unity Government should not deceive itself, nor become complacent. Today’s progress is to be affirmed, but reforms must not stop here."
DAPSY calls on the Unity Government, especially Pakatan Harapan members, to continue working wholeheartedly to advance the reform agenda, listen closely to public opinion, correct deficiencies, and work together to build a more inclusive, progressive, and prosperous Malaysia.