BINTULU: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has reaffirmed the state government’s policy of recognising the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC).
Abang Johari said Sarawak is the only state in Malaysia to recognise the UEC and explained the rationale behind the decision.
“It is the policy of the state government to support UEC recognition. We are the only state in Malaysia recognising the UEC,” he said at SMK Kai Dee Bintulu’s 25th Anniversary Dinner at the Imperial Hotel last night (Aug 23).
He highlighted the role of Chinese schools in nurturing multilingualism and intercultural understanding.
“We are very fortunate in Sarawak. In Chinese schools in rural areas, the majority are Bumiputera students, learning while also mastering Mandarin. In the next ten years, many Bumiputera — Malay, Iban, Bidayuh — will be able to speak Mandarin just like the Chinese. An Iban can speak Mandarin, English, and Bahasa Malaysia. A Malay can do the same.
“This is Sarawak. There is no other place,” he said.
Abang Johari also emphasised the importance of UEC in providing pathways to higher education.
“When our economy is strong, we have decided to provide free tertiary education to all Sarawakians in Sarawak’s own universities. If a Chinese student passes UEC, they can continue their studies in our universities,” he said.
The premier also outlined the government’s ongoing financial support for Chinese education.
“The government supports Chinese education. Last year, we increased the allocation to RM10 million for 14 Chinese independent schools across Sarawak. So far, we have contributed about RM92 million to Chinese education, and it will not stop. We will continue to provide grants to support Chinese education.
The Chinese community also requested grants for Chinese primary and secondary schools. Up to 2024, we have provided RM22 million to these schools,” he said.
He concluded by announcing a RM25,000 contribution to SMK Kai Dee in celebration of its 25th anniversary.
