KUALA LUMPUR, July 1 — After working for 12 years as a DJ at local radio station Ai FM, Chong Keat Aun was asked to submit his SPM certificate.

In protest against what he thought was an unreasonable requirement, Chong decided not to renew his contract with the Chinese-language radio station which is part of national broadcaster RTM’s stable.

"I have been with the radio station for 12 years already, at that time I had joined the radio station using my university certificate…  it's only now that they want me to give SPM certificate. They said the new policy for contract renewal requires SPM certificate," he was quoted telling news portal Malaysiakini's Mandarin section.

"I did ask them, why is SPM required, they were also unable to reply, could only say this is new policy. Isn't this ridiculous? I have worked for 12 years and you didn't ask (for it), now only want to get SPM from me?" he said.

According to Malaysiakini, Chong had lost his SPM certificate in a car break-in 20 years ago, adding that his high school in Kedah no longer has the relevant records.

"I have to return to my school in Kedah to apply, coincidentally there are no records, and furthermore have to go to Putrajaya's Education Ministry to reapply. So I decided to give up renewing the contract," he was quoted saying.

Chong added that his decision to quit Ai FM as DJ was an act to show his objection to the company's new policy.

Chong expressed gratitude to the radio station for providing him with a platform for the past 12 years.

"I felt that it is quite remarkable for Ai FM to have accommodated a non-mainstream person like me. They were willing to keep me for 12 years, I too was rebellious for 12 years.”

Malay Mail Online contacted Ai FM for a response but have not heard back from them at the time of writing.