(Kuching, 10th) The Primier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari, has never stated that admission to Unimas does not require a credit in Malay Literature in the Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM).
Datuk Seri Roland Sagah, Sarawak's Minister of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development, clarified in a press release today that the statement was misinterpreted.
He mentioned that the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) qualifications could also be considered as criteria for admission to Unimas.
"The importance of the Malay language cannot be denied. Therefore, for Yayasan Sarawak (YSIS) students, they still need to take the SPM level Malay Language subject exam to obtain credits."
The statement was made in response to remarks by language expert and honorary professor Datuk Dr. Nik Safiah Abdul Karim, who previously criticized Sarawak for proposing to allow students to enter Sarawak's university for free from 2026 without requiring SPM Malay Literature credits.
In response, the Sarawak government emphasized that the proposal is not meant to disregard the importance of the Malay language but is aimed at providing an alternative pathway for students by recognizing UEC qualifications.
Roland Sagah also emphasized that this policy aligns with Sarawak's government efforts to ensure a more inclusive education without compromising national values, while still advocating the mastery of Malay as the official language.