Sin Chew Daily, 3 Dec 2014

(China, Beijing 2 December) Deputy Prime Minister cum Education Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin says he has conveyed the message to Dong Zong ((United Chinese School Committees Association) for the latter to review the syllabus of Chinese independent schools if it is seeking government’s recognition.

He points out that the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) of Dong Zong contains several elements which do not comply with government’s wish – enhancing nation building and unity in education.

“I have told Dong Zong if they want the government to recognize UEC, they need to conduct review on these areas but they reject change. Hence I told them if you want to be independent then remain so.”

He said this last night when having dialogue with Malaysian students and Malaysians who are residing in Beijing at China World Hotel last night. When asked about government’s recognition of UEC during question and answer session, Muhyiddin said the government has policy to comply with. This stand has never changed.

Learn from government’s type of vernacular secondary school for win-win cooperation

He says if Chinese independent schools can move towards development similar to government’s type of vernacular secondary school (SMJK), this would be good for cooperation between government and Dong Zong.

“The vernacular secondary school retains its feature. We do not mind the hours of Chinese classes the school has as long as students sit for government’s examination.”

With regard to UEC being recognized by various countries in the world, Muhyiddin rebutted by saying different countries would have different ways of handling. Other countries recognize the certificate does not mean the Malaysian government ought to do the same.
“We insist on our current decision until Dong Zong carries out changes.”

Original Source: 慕尤丁：須檢討獨中課程‧統考先改才談承認