On 14 May 2008 Klang Parliamentarian Charles Santiago in his speech questioned why Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) was not accepted as entry qualifications to local universities.
On 15 May the Minister of Higher Education Khaled Nordin reasoned that UECs - syllabus and assessment system of Chinese Secondary Independent School – were not in conformity with national education system.
It has to be stressed that the UECs are accepted entry qualifications in top universities in Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, China and Taiwan. These universities include: University of Melbourne (27), University of Sydney (31), National University of Singapore (33), Peking University (36), Chinese University of Hong Kong (38), Tsinghua University (40), Nanyang Technological University (69), National Taiwan University (102). The number in bracket indicates the university ranking in Times World University Ranking 2007, none of Malaysia universities listed in the top 200 universities.
I believe that (1) every Malaysian has a right to education in local universities, regardless of race and cultural background as long as students fulfill academic requirements; (2) Malaysia’s multi culture tradition must be reflected in our education system; (3) it is the government responsibility to evaluate and ensure accreditation and equivalence of non-national education systems
According to Malaysia Qualification Framework (MQF) drafted by Malaysia Qualification Agency (MQA – Previously known as National Accreditation Agency – LAN), the requirements of university foundation course are as below :
“MQF determines standards for these certificates to ensure comparability and standardization of student abilities. Generally, these are conferred on students who are able to:
i) Show knowledge and comprehension in the field of study that is continued from secondary school as indicated in advanced text books;
ii) Use knowledge and comprehension to identify and use data in respond to concrete and complex problems;
iii) Communicate and clarify understanding and skills to peers and supervisors; and
iv) Demonstrate skills for purposes of pursuing higher education “
(appendix 1, Page 8)
In my view, the Ministry of Higher Education should apply the above criteria to access UECs qualifications. The Minister could impose additional language requirement for non-national school students, in order to ensure applicants “Demonstrate skills for purposes of pursuing higher education”
The Ministry and Independent schools must dialogue in order to identify the various strategies with the view of accepting UECs as entry requirement to local universities.
A fair and non-politicized entry requirement ensures meritocracy in the education system and ensures social-economic equality. It will stop the brain drain and money leaving the country.
I urge the Cabinet and Minister of Higher Education to review the decision on UEC entry qualification to local universities in the best interest of the nation.
Thank you.
Yours sincerely,
Charles Santiago
MP Klang
016-626 7797
mpklang@yahoo.com
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