Zambry Defends BM and History Requirements for UEC Holders, Says Higher Education Must Uphold National Unity
Zambry Abd Kadir has reaffirmed that access to Malaysia’s public higher education institutions must remain aligned with national policies and unity objectives, stressing that Bahasa Melayu and History requirements for Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) holders cannot be compromised.
The Higher Education Minister said the government remains committed to expanding access to higher education through a balanced, inclusive and responsible approach, but such efforts must continue to uphold the principles embedded in the National Education Policy and the National Education Philosophy.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Bernama at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, Zambry said education in a sovereign nation should not be viewed solely from the perspective of academic demands or the interests of specific groups.
Instead, he said the education system also plays a critical role in nation-building, strengthening social cohesion, empowering Bahasa Melayu as the national language and cultivating an understanding of Malaysian history and identity.
His remarks came in response to criticism from Dong Zong, which recently claimed that the government had failed to deliver educational justice to UEC graduates.
Zambry dismissed the criticism as misguided and irresponsible, arguing that any educational stream seeking broader entry into public universities must demonstrate its willingness to operate within Malaysia’s national framework.
According to him, the government has a duty to defend the core national principles and policies that form the foundation of the country’s identity and unity.
He also defended the government’s decision to allow UEC holders to apply for selected Chinese language and literature programmes in public universities on the condition that applicants obtain a credit in Bahasa Melayu and pass History in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination.
The minister said such conditions should not be interpreted as vague, unfair or systemically flawed, as alleged by Dong Zong. On the contrary, he described the move as proof that the government is adopting an inclusive approach while still respecting the framework of the national education system.
“In this matter, the position of Bahasa Melayu as the national language and History as a pillar of nationhood cannot be compromised. These principles must be implemented consistently and cannot change merely because of political pressure or demands from any particular group,” he said.
Zambry stressed that Malaysia’s long-term future depends on the existence of a common national foundation capable of uniting people through a shared language, historical understanding and collective national spirit.
He added that public universities are national institutions governed by national policies, giving the government the authority to impose conditions aimed at safeguarding educational standards, system harmony and the country’s long-term interests.
The minister further noted that inclusiveness in higher education should not be mistaken as a willingness to abandon the nation’s core policies. He said openness must be balanced carefully to ensure that Malaysia’s foundational principles remain protected.
The debate surrounding UEC recognition has remained a sensitive and recurring issue in Malaysia for decades. Supporters of the certificate argue that it is internationally recognised and should receive broader acceptance within the country’s public education system.
However, proponents of the national education framework maintain that mastery of Bahasa Melayu and knowledge of Malaysian history are essential components in preserving national integration and fostering a stronger sense of shared identity among Malaysians.
Zambry’s latest remarks signal that while the government is open to widening educational opportunities, it intends to preserve the key pillars of the national education framework as part of broader efforts to maintain unity and nation-building objectives.
-wilayah.com.my
