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THE Socialist Youth Wing of the Democratic Action Party (DAPSY) has criticised recent statements by youth leaders of UMNO and PAS opposing the recognition of the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC), arguing that such opposition contradicts prior commitments in Malaysian political manifestos.
National Deputy Chief of DAPSY, S. Liinesh, said the positions taken by UMNO Youth Chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh and PAS Deputy Youth Chief Mohd Hafez Sabri appeared hypocritical and risked undermining the federal government’s early efforts to implement comprehensive education reforms.
“Motives behind Akmal Saleh’s claim that the existence of Chinese independent secondary schools contradicts the national education system are clear.
“He is attempting to complicate initial discussions and obstruct the government’s agenda for educational reform.
Recognition of the UEC is not a new initiative introduced by the unity government, nor is it merely a promise of Pakatan Harapan,” Liinesh said in a statement on Thursday.
He added that the double standards displayed by both party leaders reflect a superficial understanding of university admission systems in Malaysia.
“Public universities in Malaysia have long accepted A-Level qualifications, even though A-Level is not taught in Malay and most students do not come from government schools.
“If internationally recognised A-Levels are accepted, why should national education policy be used as a justification to block UEC recognition?” he asked.
Liinesh also highlighted that the state governments of Sabah and Sarawak already recognise the UEC, allowing certificate holders to apply for state scholarships and access local universities.
This, he argued, demonstrates that integrating the UEC into the national education framework is feasible and should not be politicised.
“The unity government now bears the responsibility to implement various key reform agendas, and UEC recognition is only a small part of the overall plan.
The government must adhere to electoral manifestos and not allow politically motivated statements to impede reform processes,” he said. - December 11, 2025