KUALA LUMPUR: Some 200 undergraduates from several local universities today staged a rally to protest against the government’s plan to recognise the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC).
The protest, which took place in front of Sogo shopping mall here, was organised by Gabungan Mahasiswa Islam SeMalaysia (GAMIS).
The protesters, who congregated at Masjid Negara, attempted to march to the shopping complex but were stopped in their tracks by a team of Federal Reserve Unit personnel at about 2pm.
The police told the organisers to stop the march but later allowed the group to gather in front of Sogo.
GAMIS president Faizuddin Mohd Zai said the UEC should not be recognised as the national education system was still relevant.
“We will hold a nationwide roadshow and collect signatures for a petition at university campuses,” he told reporters, adding that the petition will be submitted to the government.
Meanwhile, Dang Wangi deputy police chief Superintendent Rudy Abdullah said a total of 65 police officers were deployed to monitor the protest, which ended at 5pm.
“No individuals were arrested and the protesters cooperated with the police,” he said when contacted, adding that the police may take further action pending investigations.
The UEC, which is issued to graduates of Chinese independent high schools, is currently recognised by local private higher education institutions and many universities overseas, as well as in Sarawak.
Pakatan Harapan in its manifesto had promised that the UEC would be used for entry into public higher education institutions.