KUCHING: Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has never mentioned that the PH government will not recognise the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) but has a few times reaffirmed the government’s commitment to recognise it, said Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii.
“When I read the news report regarding the statement by Dr Mahathir on the recognition of UEC, I myself was concerned with the matter as the recognition of UEC is not just part of our manifesto, but it involves the education opportunities and future of our students as well,” he said when contacted yesterday.
He also said that he went further to find out exactly what was said so they could deal with the issue properly.
“When I read the transcript of the full interview with Dr Mahathir, there was not once that he mentioned that we will not recognise UEC but a few times reaffirmed our commitment to recognise it,” he stressed.
Yii added that while the prime minister did say that the recognition of UEC had to take into account the feelings of all quarters including the Malays, he was of the opinion that such decision must also take into account the feelings of all the different races including the Chinese.
“So that statement to take into account the feelings of any racial group does not mean we are backtracking on our promise to recognise UEC but rather it is the required step and part of the process for us to further educate all races and groups on the UEC issue and that it is not an issue of race but rather education,” he said.
Yii also said that the problem inherited was that the current opposition Umno and even PAS, were playing racial sentiments on almost every matter that the new government was trying to do.
“Even the appointment of more non-Malays in the Cabinet by the government including the appointment of Lim Guan Eng as the Finance Minister which is a good progressive step for a more inclusive Malaysia has been played up by the opposition to become a racial issue in an attempt to split the nation.
“This was further seen through the issue of ICERD and even the incident at the Indian Temple in Seafield.
“It clearly showed how the opposition is willing and unafraid to play up racial sentiments even at the expense of breaking up the country,” he added.
Yii also said that was why all decisions made had to take into consideration all these factors as the prospering of the whole country also would require greater unity among the people of all races.
“Thus, just in a few months in power, the government has made progress in terms of recognition of UEC with the formation of the special committee which will present their report to the Cabinet this March.
“This was reaffirmed yesterday by Deputy Education Minister Teo Nie Ching and that the Committee has gathered feedback from all race groups, associations and organisations so that the implementation of UEC can be done effectively and reduce any misunderstanding on the matter,” he said.
He also pointed out that they in DAP and PH would not keep quiet especially when an issue such as education had yet to be fulfilled.
“As of now, the cabinet has yet to receive the report from the committee and the discussions have not yet been made so it’s not true to say that UEC will not be recognised or even that the Chinese have been cheated again.
“We will also further educate even our fellow ministers and members of parliament so they themselves can get a better understanding of the issue, “ he said.
Yii also mentioned that he had been raising the issue frequently to fight for the right of UEC so that it would be recognised and also to further educate others who misunderstood the whole issue based on lies and deceit of the opposition.
“This is not an issue of race but rather education and giving the opportunity not just to the Chinese but also students of all races studying in Chinese schools,” he said.
