Tasek Gelugor MP Wan Saiful Wan Jan said that Azmin had “proudly” recognised the UEC when he was Selangor menteri besar from 2014 to 2018.

He pointed to a 2024 Malaysiakini report quoting Azmin as saying that the UEC should not be politicised or made complicated, as he had recognised it as menteri besar “for the sake of the country’s future”.

Wan Saiful, a former Bersatu leader, claimed that this contradicted the stand of many PN leaders, and that the coalition will face difficulties in going on the offensive over the issue.

Yesterday, the higher education ministry said the Cabinet had agreed on several decisions regarding public university entry pathways for students from tahfiz institutions, private schools, and Chinese independent secondary schools.

Higher education director-general Azlinda Azman said these new pathways do not amount to recognition of the UEC.

Graduates from these streams who possess an SPM certificate may apply for any programme through the UPU online system.

UEC graduates who do not have a full SPM certificate but sit for BM and History subjects conducted by the Malaysian Examination Board may apply to enrol in these programmes – bachelor of arts in Chinese language studies with honours; bachelor’s degree in Chinese language and linguistics; bachelor of arts in Chinese studies; and bachelor’s degree in Chinese language with education.

Several opposition leaders have come out to criticise the move, claiming the government would be recognising the UEC, while the association representing Chinese independent schools said the initiative was “half-hearted”.