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UMNO Supreme Council member, Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican called on all parties not to be too pushy and put excessive pressure on the issue of Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) recognition.
Instead, he said, all parties must strive to harmonize the mainstream education system.
According to him, through the mainstream education system, it has been proven to be able to produce quality multi-racial leaders.
"Malaysia has long been built through negotiations and consultations, and that approach should continue to be a guide in the national discourse.
"We are now in a Unity Government, so it is not appropriate to pressure the Prime Minister with demands that could affect harmony.
"Differences of opinion can still be voiced, but all parties are urged to do so in a civilized and prudent manner," he said.
Reezal, who is also the Bertam State Assemblyman (ADUN), said that the stance of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on the matter is clear and in line with the principles and policies that have been adopted for a long time.
He said that what the country needs right now is to find common ground and create mutual understanding.
"The evidence is there. Anthony Loke, Steven Sim, Hannah Yeoh and Howard Lee are not products of UEC, but they are capable, emerging good leaders.
"The same goes for Penang Chief Minister, Chow Kon Yeow, who went through various local educational institutions," he added. "There is no failure, what is needed is harmony," he said.
The media previously reported Anwar as saying that the demand for UEC recognition only targets one race and one language, while the government adheres to the country's basic principles which involve the interests of all citizens.
He said that the government will continue to defend and uphold the principles enshrined in the Constitution regarding the status of the Malay language.
He said that efforts need to be made to strengthen the use of the Malay language, making it a language of knowledge that can be accessed by all citizens in this country. – December 17, 2025