PM urged to reject Dong Zong's requests

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The National Education Action Council chairman Datuk Zainal Abidin Borhan
SHAH ALAM - The National Education Action Council urged Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to reject the demands of United Chinese School Committees' Association of Malaysia (Dong Zong) to recognise the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC).

Its chairman, Datuk Zainal Abidin Borhan, said if it was recognised, it will not be in line with the existing national education system, which uses the national language as the medium of instruction.

Dong Zong's demand to recognise the UEC is against the country's aspirations based on the Federal Constitution, he added.

"The National Education Philosophy should be the guideline. The UEC is an examination system provided by chinese private school associations which conflicts with building a national identity for the country.

"The government is also urged to not approve any allocation to schools and private education centres that Dong Zong is demanding," he said in a statement on Tuesday.

The statement was issued by 11 representatives from non-governmental organisations (NGOs) who attended a meeting to discuss the UEC issue.

The NGOs involved were the Federation of National Writers Association (Gapena), represented by Datuk Zainal Abidin Borhan; Malaysian National Writers Association (Pena) representative, Dr Mohamad Saleeh Rahamad; Malaysian Retired Education Service Officers Association (PPPPPPM) president, Datuk Abdul Raof Hussin and the Islamic Defense Organization (Defender) representative, Mahmud Hishamuddin Abdul Rashid.

Sultan Idris University of Education (UPSI) representative, Professor Dr Mohd Sahandri Gani; the Malaysian Budiman Writers Association representative, Professor Dr Abd Halim Ali; the Malaysian Budiman Writers Association representative, Associate Professor Dr Abdul Halim Hussein and the Public and Community Development Bureau, Malay Legislative Council (MPM) chairman, Kamal Shukri Abdullah Sani were also present.

Other attendees of the meeting were the KOR AKWAM 181 representative, Datuk Dr Wan Ahmad Fauzi Wan Husain; the Ummah Defender Movement (UMMAH) representative, Mohamad Zai Mustafa; Batu Pahat History Association representative, Ramlee Wahab and West Malaysia Malay Teachers Union (KGMMB) President, Jasni Md Kechik.

Zainal added said the council is ready to cooperate with the government to share expertise and advice for a prosperous and united country.

"The National Education Action Council upholds the wishes of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah to form a unity government that can guarantee the stability of the country based on the principles of the Rules of Law and Courtesy and Morality," he said.