GOVERNMENT TO REVIEW ALL ASPECTS BEFORE FINALISING UEC ISSUE

GEORGE TOWN, Jan 28 (Bernama) -- 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 said 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.

He also stressed 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.

"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 emphasised the need for Bahasa Melayu and History subjects for all non-national education streams.

"This involves international schools, religious schools that do not follow the national curriculum. What the government is trying to solve is the structure of the country's overall education system,” he told reporters here today. 

Zambry said this after attending the North Zone 'Kembara Karisma Pemimpin Muda MADANI’ Programme at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) here, which was also attended by Higher Education director-general Datuk Dr Azlinda Azman.

He said the issue of recognising 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,” he said.

Zambry said the government will make a decision after considering all aspects of public interest.

Meanwhile, Zambry said the Ministry of Higher Education continues to strengthen strategic collaboration between universities and industry by emphasising work-based implementation.

He added that the collaboration between USM and local high-tech company Vitrox is the best example of the implementation of the concept, with the industry not only providing training opportunities but also establishing colleges within their own industrial premises. 

-- BERNAMA