PETALING JAYA, August 6 — The government will only decide to formally recognise the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) in five years’ time after a detailed study has been conducted.

Malaysiakini quoted Education Minister Maszlee Malik as saying that the decision cannot be rushed even though Pakatan Harapan had promised to recognise UEC as a pathway to enter public university.

"The Education Ministry believes this matter must be seen in a holistic manner and a decision cannot be rushed. (Moreover,) the recognition of UEC is not part of Harapan’s 100-day pledges.

"Any decision on UEC (will be made within) five years of the new administration following a detailed study… (which will) solicit views from various interested parties through consensus, while ensuring the importance of Bahasa Melayu and inter-ethnic harmony,” he was quoted saying in a parliamentary reply.

Maszlee was responding to Lanang MP Alice Lau, who had questioned when Pakatan Harapan will fulfil its pledge to recognise UEC.