KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia has made the pathway to public universities clearer for holders of the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC), a long-disputed qualification linked to Chinese independent schools.

In line with the national curriculum, the Malay language and history must now be taught at all schools in Malaysia, including international, private and religious schools.

“With this approach, their pathway to higher education, whether from international schools, religious schools or UEC, should no longer be controversial. We accept it, as long as this condition is accepted,” said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Jan 20 as he launched the National Education and Higher Education plans.