KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government has recognised the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) issued by Chinese independent schools in the state.
In announcing this last night, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal said the recognition allows UEC holders to pursue studies at public higher education institutions and to join the state public services, as long as they meet the requirements.
"In Sabah, there are nine schools or education institutions offering UEC. Overall, there are currently 1,153 junior students and 583 senior students. They are also sitting for two exams.
"I am happy to note that of the overall figure, 83 students are Bumiputera," he said at the Warisan Mooncake Festival at Lintas Plaza, here.
Present were state Agriculture and Food Industry Minister Datuk Junz Wong; state Education and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob and Minister in the Prime Minister Department Datuk Liew Vui Keong.
In Sabah, Shafie noted those taking the UEC Junior examination are required to sit for Penilaian Tingkatan 3 (PT3), while students taking the Senior UEC examination have to also sit for Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM).
He said the state Education Department supported the state government’s decision to recognise UEC. He said UEC holders will still have to meet admission requirements into public higher education institutions.
This means UEC holders must have a credit in Bahasa Melayu and pass History subject at the SPM level. They must also pass the Malaysia University English Test (MUET).
In applying for positions in the state civil service, Shafie said UEC holders must meet the requirements set in the terms and conditions of the State Public Service Department.
At the same time, they also needed to have minimum passing in SPM or any qualifications set by the state government.