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THE question of recognising the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) should be resolved through the courts, a senior Malaysian academic said, describing legal adjudication as the most effective way to settle ongoing national debates.
National University (UKM) Institute for Inclusive Development and Advancement (MINDA) Deputy Director Dr Anuar Ahmad told reporters that discussions on the UEC’s status must be addressed in a judicial setting.
He stressed that the issue touches on constitutional interpretation, the Education Act 1996 (Act 550), and the National Language Act 1963/67.
“Debates and discussions need to be resolved through the courts because they relate to the interpretation of the UEC’s position in the Federal Constitution, the Education Act 1996, and the National Language Act 1963/67,” Dr Anuar explained.
He emphasised that only through judicial review can it be determined whether the UEC is appropriate, eligible for recognition, or can be officially integrated into the national education system.
Without such a process, he argued, the topic remains a subject of public debate, often generating confusion and disagreement over its legal standing.
“If we look at it from the discussion standpoint, we are not talking about the quality of the UEC or improvements that can be made. The current issue is the status of the UEC within the Federal Constitution,” he said.
Dr Anuar posed the central question: “Has the UEC fulfilled the requirements stipulated to comply with the Federal Constitution, Act 550, and the National Language Act 1963/67? From past experience, issues concerning vernacular schools or national-type schools (SJK) were brought to court, and in 2023 it was decided that they complied with constitutional provisions and were legally recognised as part of the education system. Society must accept this.
“Therefore, why can’t we do the same for the UEC, bring it to court so that it can ultimately provide a definitive solution?” he added.
Dr Anuar noted that the debate over vernacular schools has largely subsided because the public respects the court’s wisdom, recognising that the Federal Constitution does not prohibit their existence and that they operate in accordance with legal provisions.
Last Friday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim underscored that any demands touching on sensitive issues of religion, ethnicity, and race must consider the status of the national language as enshrined in the Constitution.
Anwar reaffirmed that the principles within the Federal Constitution regarding the status of the Malay language would continue to be upheld and defended. - December 16, 2025
