KOTA KINABALU: The current discussion over whether Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) holders can enter public universities reveals contrasting viewpoints between Peninsular Malaysia and the states of Sabah and Sarawak, according to former Sabah chief minister Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak.
He noted that this debate underscores a fundamental difference in perspective, as authorities in Peninsular Malaysia tend to view the UEC in relation to national identity, the prominence of the Malay language, and the integrity of the national education framework.
Salleh noted that in Peninsular Malaysia, the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) is frequently tied to questions of national identity, the Malay language, and the national education framework.
“This means that what ought to be a matter of academic recognition often ends up becoming a political issue,” he wrote in a recent Facebook post.
In contrast, he observed, Sarawak and Sabah adopt a more pragmatic stance.
“The UEC is largely seen as part of a multi-stream education system that mirrors the diverse makeup of their communities,” he explained.
In Sabah, many Bumiputera students attend Chinese independent schools—a sign, according to Salleh, that families prioritize educational quality and future opportunities over political discourse.
“In both states, the focus is straightforward: ensuring access to education, promoting inclusiveness, and developing human capital,” he said.
He added that this contrast underscores the differing viewpoints between the federal government and the Borneo states, where local conditions play a key role in shaping policy decisions.
