KUALA LUMPUR: Gabungan Pelajar Melayu Semenanjung (GPMS) has described the demand by the United Chinese School Committees' Association of Malaysia (Dong Zong) as a threat to the government.
GPMS Supreme Council member Mohd Wafiyuddin Al-Awal Musa said the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) was not recognised not because of race, as claimed by Dong Zong, but based on adherence to the national education policy.
"GPMS urges Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek to dismiss Dong Zong's baseless claims for the sake of the future of the education system.
"GPMS remains firm in rejecting demands to recognise the UEC," he said in a statement released today.
Dong Zong had asked for discussions on the recognition of the UEC to be done rationally, but it drew angry responses from several quarters, with some asking Dong Zong not to be too greedy in its demands.
The previous Pakatan Harapan (PH) government had set up a team to study the UEC policy in October 2018. PH had promised to recognise the certificate in its election manifesto for the 14th General Election.
Wafiyuddin said GPMS was ready to provide suggestions and ideas to improve the national education system.
"Before this, GPMS made 30 demands to all political parties during the general election concerning education policies, education infrastructure, teaching, education funding and students' cost of living.
"GPMS is ready to assist in ensuring the continuity of the country's education system, which should remain intact and free of threats, hindrances or disturbances from any quarters."