Anwar Says More Than 80 Per Cent of Chinese School Students Now Sit for SPM
IPOH: Anwar Ibrahim said discussions surrounding the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) are now significantly different compared to four decades ago, with Chinese independent schools increasingly embracing elements of the national education system.
According to the prime minister, when he previously led Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia about 40 years ago, the government faced major challenges in engaging with Chinese independent schools because they were viewed as operating separately from the national education framework.
He said some leaders from Chinese education groups at the time even refused to speak in the Malay language during official meetings with government representatives.
The situation, he said, once caused former Education Director-General Abdul Rahman Arshad to feel offended and walk out of a discussion session.
“That happened around 40 years ago, but in meetings today all representatives speak in Bahasa Melayu.
“More than 80 per cent of students from Chinese schools are also now sitting for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination,” he said while speaking at the 55th National Teachers’ Day celebration in Ipoh today.
Also present at the event were Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Fadhlina Sidek and Saarani Mohamad.
According to Anwar Ibrahim, the government’s decision to allow UEC graduates into public universities was accompanied by strict conditions, including the requirement to pass or obtain credit in Bahasa Melayu and History.
He stressed that the condition applies not only to Chinese independent school students but also to students from international schools, tahfiz institutions and Arabic-stream schools.
“In life, there must be compromise, but there can be no compromise when it comes to language and history.
“If someone wishes to become part of this nation, they must understand the country’s history, Constitution, independence struggle and national foundations,” he said.
He explained that these conditions formed part of the government’s key requirements before opening university access to students from educational streams outside the national system.
At the same time, Anwar Ibrahim urged all parties not to continue politicising the issue, saying the government’s policy regarding university admissions was already clear.
He said the government is providing opportunities for students from Arabic-stream schools, tahfiz institutions, international schools and Chinese independent schools to pursue higher education, provided they meet the Bahasa Melayu and History requirements.
“Enough with the endless debate on this issue. The country needs teachers and the education system to focus on improving education,” he said.
-wilayah.com.my
