KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Malaysia has paved the way for Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) holders from Chinese independent schools to access public universities, provided their institutions adopt Malay language and history as core subjects aligned with the national curriculum. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced the policy on January 20 while unveiling the 2026-2035 National Education and Higher Education plans, resolving a decades-old dispute that has fueled political tensions.
The UEC, introduced in 1975 by Dong Zong amid resistance to the 1961 Education Act’s shift to Malay or English instruction, has long been unrecognized for public university entry due to its divergence from national exams. Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar reinforced the shift in a January 19 parliamentary address, insisting that any education system must prioritize Malay, the national language and Malaysian history for recognition. “If anyone does not accept Malay language, it is better not to live in Malaysia,” the King stated.
Dong Zong welcomed the emphasis on national cohesion but urged a diverse history curriculum reflecting minority contributions, noting its current syllabus already dedicates 54% to local history. Political analyst Tunku Mohar Mokhtar from the International Islamic University Malaysia views the policy as balancing UEC’s international recognition with essentials of nationhood, though it risks backlash from nationalists like PAS and UMNO factions wary of perceived concessions to Chinese interests.
The blueprint introduces sweeping reforms for equity and quality. From 2027, Standard 1 entry drops to age six with optional age-five preschool, alongside reinstated standardized tests in Standard 4 and Form 3. The government commits RM100 million for teacher upgrades and “Inspiration Schools” focused on STEM excellence, plus guaranteed university spots for 4.0 GPA students and free education for 3,000 with disabilities.
Form 6 and matriculation shift to the Higher Education Ministry, with general studies, including the Constitution and history, mandated in Malay across all public and private universities. Anwar stressed: “If we want to safeguard this country, all our children must master the basic knowledge of the Constitution and history.”Critics like the National Union of the Teaching Profession warn of infrastructure strains from dual pupil cohorts and teacher shortages, as training takes up to five years.