SEPT 24 — The recognition of UEC certificate by the Sarawak state government marks a step forward in education equality in the Land of Hornbills, a good start for the diversified development of education in the country.

It is yet to be known at this juncture how far the effects will go from here, but it is indeed a major breakthrough, even though it happens only in the state of Sarawak.

UEC is not merely an ordinary examination to Chinese Malaysians. Its influences have transcended the furthest aspects of education.

To be honest, UEC is a microcosm of the survival and continuous development of Chinese education in Malaysia. It signifies the tortuous path taken by the Chinese community over the decades, why Chinese Malaysians have loved this country so much that they have dedicated all their effort for the well-being of this land.

Simply put, it is a form of recognition!

As a matter of fact, many people don’t know much about UEC examinations as only a very small percentage of the country’s Chinese population have actually sat for them. That said, UEC carries some psychological and emotional significance to the Chinese community.

Even as UEC is not recognized by the Malaysian government, it is widely accepted overseas. This has unfortunately sparked some misperception among Chinese Malaysians that while their effort is broadly recognized elsewhere in the world, the Malaysian government has opted to neglect or even oppress its humble existence.

The actual benefits of UEC recognition might be negligible given the fact that not many students sit for the exams and fewer would want to apply for local public universities or are keen to take up civil service positions.

The recognition of UEC certificate is in essence the recognition of Chinese education as well as the contributions of Chinese Malaysians towards the development of this country, or in a broader sense, the status of Chinese Malaysians in the country.

Unfortunately the Barisan Nasional government has opted to overlook this need of the Chinese community, and this has further alienated the ruling coalition from the community. The government’s attitude towards UEC determines the gap between both sides.

Sure enough there are people attributing the UEC recognition in Sarawak to the upcoming state elections, which I think is nothing wrong.

Anything that goes well with the aspiration of the people is commendable even though it is done with a motive.

Anyway, isn’t it a boon of democratic politics that politicians or political parties would do something they should have done but would not normally do unless there is an election?

* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail Online.