Ex-Sabah CM: UEC issue reflects diverging perspectives between Borneo States, Peninsular M’sia

Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak (file pic). Photo: Salleh Said Keruak/Facebook

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, May 16: The ongoing discussion about Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) holders’ entry to public universities highlights the differing perspectives between Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak and Sabah, says former Sabah chief minister, Salleh Said Keruak.

In a Facebook post, he said that in Peninsular Malaysia, UEC is often linked to national identity and the education system. As a result, what should be an issue of academic qualification often turns into a political debate.

In contrast, he said, Sarawak and Sabah take a more practical approach whereby UEC is generally accepted as part of a multi-stream education system that reflects their diverse societies.

He went on to say that in Sabah, many Bumiputera students are enrolled in Chinese independent schools.

“In both States, the priority is clear—access to education, inclusivity, and building human capital. This difference highlights how perspectives vary between the federal centre and the Borneo States, where local realities shape decisions.

“Overall, the UEC issue is not just about education policy. It also reflects broader differences in political and social priorities within Malaysia,” he said.

He added that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has warned against politicising the issue, highlighting its continued sensitivity at the national level.

On Thursday (May 14), the Cabinet has agreed to allow students from outside the national education system—tahfiz, private schools, and Chinese independent secondary schools—into public universities (IPTAs) if they hold a full SPM certificate.

However, for UEC holders who don’t possess a full SPM certificate but have passed the Bahasa Malaysia (BM) and History subjects conducted by the Malaysian Examination Board may apply to limited programmes in Chinese linguistics or Chinese studies. — DayakDaily