UMNO Youth stalwart Dr Akmal Saleh had insinuated in a video recently that no country in the world allows a vernacular educational system like ours; however, isn't that “right” consistent with the country's Constitution as Malaysia was founded on the basis of a unique “multiethnic society” - unlike the homogeneous ones in Japan or Korea?
Is it really any surprise that UMNO leaders have opposed the recognition of Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) as it could allegedly hamper “national unity” since among others the medium used is Mandarin and the history subject taught differs from the local syllabus?
Yet, in truth, after more than sixty long years, has the National Education Policy succeeded in forging unity? Has it been able to stop ethnic polarisation and prevent the perceived decline in the quality of education in this country?
Inevitably, UMNO youth chief Akmal Saleh was amongst the first off the blocks to declare that there will be “no compromise” on the subject of UEC recognition because allegedly it did not align with national policies; in fact, he had gone on to take a swipe at DAP deputy chairman Nga Kor Ming who had earlier said that his party planned to meet PMX on the subject.
But didn't his ex-boss Najib Razak also pledge to recognize UEC as part of BN’s manifesto in 2018?
Meanwhile, UMNO deputy president Mohamad Hasan was quoted as saying that the government has no objection to recognising the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC), provided it is conducted in the national language and revised to reflect the country’s broader “national aspirations” and supports nation building.
But what exactly are those “national aspirations”? Are they truly free from any political influence or agenda?
He added that as a sovereign nation, the education system here must be anchored in the mission, values, interests and ambitions of the nation, and it must be implemented in the national “mother tongue” to strengthen national identity.
But haven't MARA Junior Science Colleges been teaching their main critical subjects in English all these years?
Furthermore, according to the UMNO strongman, Malaysians are still free to study under the UEC system without any objection but the government should not be pressured to “recognise” it (for public university admission) as it is not designed to nurture the identity and uniqueness of the national education system.
Amidst all the uproar, prime minister Anwar Ibrahim has reiterated that he has no issue with the proposals to uplift other languages, so long as their advocates remember that the “mastery” of Bahasa Melayu, the official language of this country, comes first and must be upheld as the language of knowledge.
However, his statement did not appear to offer any clarity to the controversy; instead it has only fueled varying interpretations and raised more questions on the issue.
Among them, is UMNO still obsessed with its own political ideology – and its own survival – while the world around it has moved on and embraced the changing educational ecosystem in an increasingly competitive global economic environment?
Moreover, aren't its leaders aware that thousands of bumiputras have literally “shunned” the national schools and have opted for the Chinese vernacular schooling system? Thus, if UEC is recognized won't those bumiputras also benefit from it?
Have they actually conducted an honest probe to find out why Chinese schools are popular among all races – or are they worried about the findings?
While on the subject of “national aspiration” and nation building, hasn't the non-recognition of UEC contributed to the “brain drain” of brilliant students to foreign countries – adversely impacting the quality of the country's workforce?
Interestingly, in what seems like a clear reflection of the divided opinion in the country, East Malaysian political leaders' views on the subject appears to be less parochial, and more inclusive, objective and pragmatic compared to many in the peninsula.
In fact, hitting back at Akmal they have raised several “pointed” questions:
Political ideologies aside, is the UMNO Youth leader aware of the “realities” of Malaysia’s education system within the context of a historically multicultural (and multilingual) society?
Besides, Malaysia already accepts many foreign qualifications such as A-Levels, IB and Australian Matriculation; on that count why the rejection of UEC which is a local qualification? Wouldn't that reek of discrimination in the eyes of many?
Furthermore, allegations that recognising UEC will undermine the national language also won't hold water as many UEC students have demonstrated mastery of Bahasa Malaysia; surely Akmal, Hasan and PMX will be painfully aware of that!
As for “national aspirations” shouldn't that be underpinned by policies that are fair, rational and inclusive which embrace the “diversity” that has been the country's strength – while always upholding the national language?
In closing, another Bornean leader has rightly called on peninsula leaders to base the country's education policy purely on facts rather than fear; but then, could that be the crux of the whole problem - fear? Fear of losing the allegiance and support of their traditional voter base? In essence, isn't that what the ongoing battle over UEC recognition is all about?
Notes to Ponder: Instead of choosing to go all out to fight for UEC recognition, shouldn't DAP have turned the screw on the government to be more ruthless (and not selective) in its anti-corruption drive – and also to take a firm stand, including imposing jail terms, on those guilty of racist hate speech and extreme religious rhetoric? Wouldn't that have resonated more with the Chinese community – and help to restore the party's battered image and credibility?
Main information source: Facebook (Akmal Saleh), Malaysiakini, Scoop, The Vibes, FMT and Daily Express.
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