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UPDATED] Anwar on UEC: From refusing to speak Malay 40 years ago, Chinese school mindsets have shifted
By Zahratulhayat Mat Arif
May 16, 2026 @ 11:44am
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IPOH: The government's latest decision involving Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) students was made possible following significant changes in attitudes and acceptance over the past four decades, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.
Anwar said discussions on recognising UEC graduates first began during his tenure as education minister about 40 years ago, when Chinese independent schools were largely detached from the national education system.
He recalled that meetings between education authorities and Chinese education groups at the time were often tense, with some representatives refusing to speak in Bahasa Melayu.
"During several meetings I attended, the leaders of those teachers' associations refused to speak even a single word in Bahasa Melayu.
"I remained patient and listened, but the then director-general of education, Tan Sri Rahman Arshad, whispered to me: 'Anwar, please forgive me, but I have to leave this meeting now. I cannot tolerate such an attitude,'" he said.
Anwar said this in his speech at the national-level Teachers' Day celebration at a hotel here today.
Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, and Prime Minister's wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.
Anwar said the situation has since changed significantly, with Chinese independent schools now showing greater alignment with the national education framework.
"That was 40 years ago. Today, all representatives of the associations speak Bahasa Melayu.
"More than 80 per cent of students in Chinese schools now sit for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination," he said.
He said the cabinet had agreed to allow students from UEC schools, tahfiz institutions, Arabic schools and international schools to pursue selected university courses, subject to conditions involving Bahasa Melayu and History.
He said students would be required to pass, or obtain at least a credit, in both subjects to qualify for university entry.
"When we approved this policy, we set a condition that they must pass or obtain at least a credit in Bahasa Melayu and History in order to qualify for university admission. This applies to everyone," he said.
Anwar said the same conditions would also apply to students from international schools, including Malaysians studying there, as well as those from tahfiz and Arabic schools.
He added that the issue should not be politicised, saying the government's position was aimed at safeguarding the national language and ensuring Malaysians understand the country's history and constitutional foundations.
"In life, we must have a spirit of compromise. But the one thing we cannot compromise on is language. Anyone living in Malaysia must have a firm command of the national language.
"To become a Malaysian citizen, one must understand our history, the Federal Constitution, the history of independence and our struggles against colonial powers," he said.
Anwar added that eligible students would not be limited to language-related university programmes, but could also pursue courses such as accounting and others.
However, he said the final decision on professional accreditation for certain programmes would rest with universities and the relevant professional bodies.
On Thursday, the cabinet approved new admission pathways to public universities for students outside the national education system, including those from tahfiz institutions, private schools and Chinese independent high schools.
The Higher Education Ministry said the decision reflects its commitment to ensuring inclusive and quality access to higher education for all qualified students, in line with the National Education Philosophy. (hyperlink: )
