When I read the news report regarding the statement by the Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir on the recognition of UEC, I myself was concern on the matter as the recognition of UEC is not just part of our manifesto, but it involves the education opportunities and future of our students as well.
So I went to find out exactly what was said so we can deal with the issue properly. When I read the transcript of the full interview with Tun Dr Mahathir, there was not once that he mentioned that we will not recognise UEC but a few times reaffirmed our commitment to recognise it.
While the Prime Minister did say that the recognition of UEC has to take into account the feelings of all quarters including the Malays, but I have the opinion that such decision must also take into account all the feelings of all different races including the Chinese.
So that statement to take into account the feelings of any race group does not mean we are backtracking on our promise to recognise UEC, but rather it is the required step and part of the process for us to further educate all races and groups on the issue of UEC and that it is not an issue of race but rather education.
The problem that we inherited is that the current opposition of UMNO and even PAS has been playing racial sentiments on almost every matter that the new government is trying to do. Even the appointment of more non-malays in cabinet by the PH government including the appointment of YB Lim Guan Eng as the Finance Minister which is a good progressive step for a more inclusive Malaysia, but has been played up by the opposition to be a racial thing in an attempt to split the nation.
This was further seen through the issue of ICERD and even the incident at the Indian Temple in Seafield. It clearly showed how the opposition is willing and not afraid to play up racial sentiments even at the expense of breaking up the country.
That is why all decisions made has to take into considerations of all these factor as the prospering of the whole country also will require greater unity among all the people of all races.
Thus, just in a few months in power, PH has made progress in terms of the recognition of UEC with the formation of the special Committee that will put forward their report to the Cabinet this March. This was reaffirmed yesterday by the Deputy Education Minister YB Teo Nie Ching and this Committee has gather feedbacks from all race groups, associations and organisations so the implementation of UEC can be done effectively and reduce any misunderstanding on the matter.
We in DAP and PH will not keep quiet especially if such matters of education is not fulfilled. As of now, the cabinet have yet to receive the report from the committee and the discussions have not yet been made so it’s not true to say that UEC will not be recognised or even that the Chinese have been cheated again. We will also further educate even our fellow Ministers and member of parliaments so they themselves can get a better understanding of the issue.
This is one of the issues that i myself have been raising up frequently to fight for the right of UEC so that it will be recognised and also to further educate others who misunderstood the whole issue based on the lies and deceit of the opposition. This is not an issue of race but rather education and giving the opportunity not just to the Chinese but also students of all races that are studying in these Chinese schools