Loke said the move was part of the government’s initiative to widen pathways into public universities, especially for those outside the national education system, and ensure education was inclusive.
He accused opposition parties of politicising efforts to expand educational opportunities, saying “they only know how to object without basis”, Astro Awani reported.
“It’s not just for UEC graduates, it extends to graduates from tahfiz institutions, too. This step actually provides greater access to higher education, which is very good for the development of this nation’s human capital.
“But it seems like the opposition is protesting efforts to provide access to education. Their actions indirectly deny the right of our children to further their education,” said Loke, who is transport minister.
Limited entrance for tahfiz, UEC students
Yesterday, the higher education ministry said the Cabinet had agreed on providing pathways to university entrance for students from tahfiz institutions, private schools, and Chinese independent secondary schools who have passed the SPM. They may apply for any programme through the UPU online system.
UEC graduates without a full SPM certificate but who sit for BM and History subjects conducted by the Malaysian Examination Board may apply to enrol in limited programmes on Chinese linguistics or Chinese studies.
Higher education director-general Azlinda Azman said the new pathways do not amount to recognition of the UEC.
Tahfiz graduates in the same category may only apply for programmes on Islamic studies, dakwah and tahfiz education.
Opposition criticism
Several opposition leaders have come out to criticise the government’s move and claimed that it amounted to recognition of the UEC, while the association representing Chinese independent schools said the initiative was “half-hearted” and fell short of the Chinese community’s hopes.
Among the critics was Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Karim of PKR who called for the resignations of higher education minister Zambry Abdul Kadir and education minister Fadhlina Sidek for failing to defend the national education policy.
Similarly, former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin, who is Bersatu president, urged the government to review this decision and to go back to the national education policy and maintain the existing pathways to public varsities via STPM, foundation programmes or matriculation.