NOVEMBER 25 — Gabungan Bertindak Malaysia (GBM) stresses that Malaysia is a civilised country with rule of law and no party should be allowed to impose their views on public policies by way of violence and intimidation.

GBM categorically condemns the threats made against the Government and the public at large by Datuk Ibrahim Ali over the recognition of the Unified Examinations Certificate (UEC). GBM calls upon the Police to investigate his statement under Section 505 of the Penal Code “Statements conducing to public mischief”.

The Pertubuhan Pribumi Perkasa (Perkasa)’s president said in the organisation’s annual general meeting that Perkasa would “declare war” on the federal government if it gives recognition to the standardised examination for students of Chinese independent high schools which have been in operation since 1975 that have been accepted by more than 300 local private and higher education institutions in Malaysia and more than 1,000 overseas higher education institutions.

He also warned all quarters not to “create disturbances or make noise” if the UEC was not recognised by the government.

GBM holds that anyone including Perkasa and Ibrahim Ali has the right to peacefully hold any view on any policy matter, including opposing the recognition of UEC. He has every right to persuade every other Malaysian with facts, figures and logics against changing the status quo position of non-recognition.

While GBM member organisations support the right to mother tongue education and would work towards the recognition of the UEC, GBM defends the right of Ibrahim or anyone to oppose it and likes to facilitate rational dialogues on the matter.

Threatening violence will only tear Malaysia apart. Ibrahim Ali and those who hold such positon on the UEC must accept that Malaysia is a diverse and rich society, with contributions made by people of various ethno-religious, cultural, ideological backgrounds. This diversity and richness means that we will inevitably have different and even opposing opinions on many issues, and we must rely on the power of persuasion, not persuasion of power including violence.

While Ibrahim may believe his opposition to UEC recognition is grounded on public interests, some others may advocate for the UEC on various grounds, including its syllabus, its academic standard, International recognition, contribution by its graduates and social inclusion for independent Chinese-medium high schools.

GBM believes that all issues including the question of UEC recognition require open, rational and professional deliberations. Such issue must not be dictated by emotion let alone violence or intimidation.

This statement is endorsed by the following Member Organisations of GBM:

1.      ENGAGE愿景工程组织

2.      Japan Graduates Association Malaysia (JAGAM) 马来西亚留日同学会

3.      LLG Cultural Development Centre (LLG) 林连玉基金

4.      Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH) 隆雪华堂

5.      Merdeka University Berhad (MUB) 独立大学有限公司

6.      Muslim Professionals Forum (MPF) 穆斯林人士专业论坛

7.      Negeri Sembilan Chinese Assembly Hall (NSCAH) 森美兰中华大会堂

8.      Partners in Community Organising (Pacos Trust) 沙巴社区伙伴信托组织

9.      Penang Chinese Town Hall (PCTH) 槟州华人大会堂

10.  Pertubuhan IKRAM Malaysia (IKRAM) 马来西亚伊斯兰教革新组织

11.  Persatuan Aliran Kesedaran Negara (ALIRAN) 国民醒觉运动

12.  Persatuan Bekas Siswazah Universiti dan Kolej di China Malaysia (Liu Hua) 马来西亚留华同学会

13.  Persatuan Masyarakat Selangor dan Wilayah Persekutuan (PERMAS) 雪隆社区协会

14.  Pusat Komas (KOMAS) 社区传播中心

15.  Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia (SABM) 马来西亚之子

16.  Suaram Malaysia (SUARAM) 人民之声

17.  Tamil Foundation淡米尔基金会

18.  The Federation & Alumni Associations Taiwan University, Malaysia (FAATUM) 马来西亚留台校友会联合总会

19.  Tindak Malaysia (TM) 行动大马组织

20.  United Chinese School Alumni Associations of Malaysia (UCSAAM) 马来西亚华校校友会联合会总会

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