Uec Dong Zong Won T Beg But Hopes Pm Shows Wisdom And Courage

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The United Chinese School Committees Association (Dong Zong) has voiced hope that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will demonstrate political wisdom and courage to overcome obstacles to recognising the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC).
Dong Zong president Tan Yew Sing pointed out that failure to recognise the UEC could worsen Malaysia’s brain drain, but the group would neither beg nor compromise the certificate’s core characteristics to secure it.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Hua Zong (Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia) yesterday, Tan (above) also expressed Dong Zong’s gratitude to both government and opposition parties for their efforts in advocating for UEC recognition.
“[But] we also realise the reality that some politicians are using the UEC issue to manipulate racial relations, and we hope that the prime minister has the political wisdom and courage to cut through thorns and thickets.
“While the sooner the UEC is recognised, the better, the UEC was never meant to exist for the purpose of government recognition, and it would certainly not sacrifice its characteristics and features in order to gain government recognition,” he added.
‘Govts come and go, we keep moving forward’
Tan said instead of “begging” for recognition, Dong Zong would strive for self-improvement and continuously enhance the UEC.
Quoting the classic Chinese text “I Ching” (Book of Changes), he said: “The most crucial belief for the entire (Malaysian) Chinese education system has always been: ‘As Heaven maintains its vigour through the movements of the cosmos, so should the noble person strive for self-improvement’.
“Governments may come and go, we do not beg for pity, we do not beg, and we will certainly not become complacent; we will only strive to be stronger.
“If we keep moving forward, while others remain stationary, then we can look back at the path we have travelled, continue to better ourselves, and proceed confidently with a smile,” he added.

Striking a cautionary note, Tan reiterated that continued refusal to recognise the UEC would ultimately be Malaysia’s loss, accelerating an already severe drain of talent from the country.
Long-time promise, but no political will
The recognition of the UEC has appeared in Pakatan Harapan’s election manifestos, but the political will to implement it remains elusive.
Following a crushing defeat in the Sabah state election, DAP reignited the debate over UEC recognition in an effort to restore its standing within the Chinese community. The move, however, immediately faced resistance from various quarters, including Umno.
Yesterday, Anwar emphasised that any language demands from a single ethnic group must first respect the constitutional status of Malay as the national language.
He further stated that, after honouring and mastering the Malay language, “we can then discuss other matters.” - Mkini

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