KUALA LUMPUR: The United Chinese School Committees' Association of Malaysia (Dong Zong) have asked for matters on the recognition for the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) to be discussed rationally since it involves an academic issue.
In a statement, Dong Zong said they understood the concern raised by some in the Malay community and were willing to have a dialogue to improve the understanding about UEC, besides enhancing the consensus so that the education issue could be understood rationally and pragmatically.
"We don't want any party to be using UEC as a political issue, which is (now) being hyped as a racial issue.
"After the 15th General Election, a new government is being formed and the people are hoping for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to formulate a new development plan for our country.
"Unfortunately, the issue on the recognition of UEC has been magnified in an attempt to create a social conflict and animosity.
"Regardless of which political party is in power, Dong Zong's stand has always been to help the country in the development of human resources and to discuss the issue of the recognition of UEC in an academic and professional manner," it said.
Last Saturday, Dong Zong once again raised its request for the UEC to be recognised, which it had made earlier during the Pakatan Harapan. administration.
The move, however, caused anger among several parties that had urged Dong Zong not to be rash in making its demand.
At the same time, Dong Zong said the curriculum at private Chinese secondary schools (SMPC), including for the subject of history, were drafted based on the Standard Curriculum and Evaluation Document issued by the Education Ministry.
It said the curriculum also determined that the national language as a compulsory subject, in line with the Federal Constitution, the Rukun Negara and the diversity of education in the country.
"UEC is an academic evaluation similar to STPM, IB, A-Level and others.
"UEC is not a political indicator, so politicians should not simply interprete it for personal interests.
"We would humbly accept any criticism and guidance regarding the SMPC curriculum and will work to improve it," it said.
Dong Zong also said in a recent meeting, it had approved 11 resolutions on the prosperity of the country, education system and the rights and importance of education for the various ethnic groups.
This includes the establishment of education ombudsman, closing the education gap between the urban and rural areas, the drafting of an education policy to support cultural diversity and fair treatment to all school streams.