Nga S Uec Push Re Ignites Pushback Against Dap Bogeymen

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DAP’s push for the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) to be recognised has reignited backlash against the party and allegations that it is seeking to undermine the Malays.
This is after remarks by DAP deputy chairperson Nga Kor Ming, which only circulated in the Chinese press and social media at first, were translated and gained widespread attention yesterday.
In a social media post on Monday, Nga revealed that DAP would meet with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to seek recognition for the UEC.
He had made the remarks at an independent high school fundraising dinner in Taiping the night before.
ADSHis remarks were perceived in Malay social media circles as DAP pressuring Anwar on the matter, and the response was not positive.
Comments ranged from racially charged remarks to claims that if the UEC is recognised, it would prove that Anwar was subservient to DAP.
It is a matter of time before right-wing Malay politicians pick up on the issue to further their agenda.
Eroding non-Malay support for PM
Anwar has been struggling to gain Malay support, particularly from conservatives, and the pushback against Nga will likely weigh on his decision on whether or not to give the green light for the UEC.
At the same time, non-Malay support for Anwar and Pakatan Harapan is also on the decline, as shown by DAP and PKR’s abysmal performance in the Sabah election.
A voter casts her ballot during the Sabah election on Nov 29Non-Malays are a key demographic for Harapan, and the coalition will fare badly in upcoming polls without their support.
Six-month deadline
Perhaps cognisant of the backlash, DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke yesterday sought to reframe the UEC narrative as one that is complementary to efforts to uphold the Malay language as well.
In an interview with Chinese-language YouTube channel “The Keywords”,  Loke said the government would introduce a new policy to strengthen all languages within six months, which includes recognition of the UEC.
Anthony LokeDAP’s Chinese critics are pushing for the UEC recognition to come without any strings attached.
Previously, it was mooted that UEC recognition came with the condition that students must pass Malay and history exams based on the SPM syllabus.
Regardless of how it is done, with the genie out of the bottle, DAP will be under intense pressure from its backers to ensure that the UEC is finally recognised.
Loke said yesterday that if DAP fails to get reforms done in the next six months, it would “re-evaluate” its position in the government while still propping up Anwar as prime minister.
This is being interpreted as a sign that DAP will exit the cabinet, a move that will be a serious blow to Anwar’s credibility, even though he remains in power. - Mkini

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