[Watch] Rafizi: Only 20% Of Chinese Students In Independent Schools, UEC Threat Overblown
Speaking on a podcast, he argued for UEC recognition from a national development perspective, noting that only 20% of Chinese students attend independent schools while 80% remain in the national system.
Subscribe to our FREE Newsletter, or Telegram and WhatsApp channels for the latest stories and updates.
Former Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli has called for a more rational discussion on the recognition of the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC), saying the issue has been overly politicised by parties using it as a “political dopamine hit”.
Speaking on the podcast Yang Bakar Menteri (YBM), the Pandan MP said politicians often turn UEC recognition into an emotional flashpoint whenever problems arise, making it impossible to have a sensible conversation about it.
Recognising UEC is a societal need. If we can accept A-Level qualifications for university admission, why can’t we accept UEC? Especially when it’s recognised by over 100 universities globally.
The former PKR deputy president added that claims that UEC would disrupt national education policy are unfounded, questioning whether critics even know how many Chinese independent schools exist or how many students attend them.
He pointed out that Malaysia currently has 63 Chinese independent schools with about 90,000 students—just 20% of the country’s 400,000 ethnic Chinese students, with the remaining 80% in the national education system.
Politicians often exaggerate this issue, but it affects only a small portion of students. This needs to be clarified to prevent UEC from becoming a divisive political issue.
Sioknya tengok policitians main isu UEC. We Chinese are not care at all, f* u politicians.
— ㊗️Yeo🧧🧧🎊🎉 (@YeohCC) December 13, 2025
We know how & where & when to send our kids to study.
Since when we get special privilege from gov.? so why wanna play the issue for political stun?
Terms & conditions apply
Rafizi Proposes Malay, History Integration into UEC as Compromise
He proposed incorporating Malay and history into the UEC curriculum as a compromise, ensuring students master multiple languages while understanding their Malaysian identity.
Rafizi emphasised that national leaders must acknowledge Malaysia is entering a trilingual era, warning that Chinese will likely replace English as the dominant language of knowledge as China surpasses the US within 10 to 15 years.
“We can’t pretend Chinese isn’t important,” he said, adding that the country needs many qualified Chinese language teachers and must incorporate independent schools’ expertise into national education planning.
He warned that excluding independent schools due to “narrow-minded politics” would destroy future generations’ opportunity to learn Chinese, stressing that young Malaysians must master Malay, English and Chinese to avoid being left behind in globalisation.
If we understand the importance of Chinese, the UEC issue can be viewed from a national development angle, not purely as a political issue.
Critics, Including PH Supporters, Question UEC Recognition Push
However, Rafizi’s stance has drawn criticism even from within Pakatan Harapan supporters, who questioned the need for federal recognition of the UEC.
One PH supporter argued that UEC recognition for public university entry is “ridiculous” because the exam is set by independent Chinese schools, not the Education Ministry, and is equivalent to GCSE and O-Level exams, which are also not formally recognised by the government.
Some also challenged Rafizi’s prediction that Chinese will replace English, noting that Mandarin is unlikely to supplant English in the next 10-20 years, given its more complex learning system, and that China is intensifying efforts to teach English to university students as a key priority for national advancement.
View on Threads
Rafizi has also been accused of not comprehending the fundamental issues surrounding the UEC, particularly regarding national education policy and the Malaysian language.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had emphasised that mastery of Bahasa Melayu must take precedence over discussions on the recognition of the UEC.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail also spoke out against UEC recognition, arguing that it primarily promotes one race’s language and undermines national education goals.
At the same time, Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh has been vocal in opposing the recognition of the UEC, claiming it threatens national education policy.
@drakmalsaleh Mohon YB menteri untuk faham dulu dasar pendidikan kebangsaan sebelum bercakap ttg UEC Tiada keperluan dan tidak akan berkompromi untuk mengiktiraf UEC!!!
♬ ACTION – J Burce Producer
READ MORE: [Watch] DAP Chief Says He’ll Quit If UEC Recognition Comes With His Resignation
Share your thoughts with us via TRP’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Threads.
