He said his stand on the UEC was an open secret and conceded it had caused “a conflict between him and several individuals”.
Speaking to reporters at the Dewan Rakyat lobby, he said the constitution guaranteed the rights of all Malaysians, and this included the right to education and private schooling.
The Ketereh MP said private schools were not illegal because licences were issued for their operation and the government had also allowed UEC students to study in private universities.
“What have the children from private schooling done wrong that we want to pressure them because we are not brave enough to make a decision?
“I do not see how recognising the UEC will tarnish (the image of) Malaysia. (If we don’t recognise the certificate) it is we who are losing out. We are allowing our children to go elsewhere (to further their studies).”
Annuar said a lot of people were getting emotional over the UEC but the issue of recognising the certificate had not been brought up in Parliament.
He also said he had met with Chinese education group, Dong Zong, and found they were not an extreme group as many had made them out to be.
He said there was a need to have more dialogue with them.
Annuar clarified however that his personal stand on the issue of the UEC did not reflect that of Umno’s.
“But Umno must also be able to accept various opinions because I feel this country must be led by a leader who respects all races.
“I imagine one day Malaysians will be good in Malay, English, Tamil and Mandarin.”
The government has yet to officially recognise the UEC, stating that its curriculum is not in line with national education policies, in particular, for Bahasa Malaysia and History.
As a result, UEC graduates have been unable to further their studies in public tertiary institutions and have resorted to applying to private universities or colleges that do recognise the UEC.
Annuar also clarified that he was asked to take a leave of absence from Mara as its chairman to allow for investigations into the alleged sponsorship of Kelantan’s football team using Mara funds.
He clarified he was not suspended as reported by a Chinese daily.
His leave took effect on Jan 31, after Johor Crown Prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim accused him of misusing his position to force Mara Investment and Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) to sponsor about RM700,000 for the Kelantan football team known as The Red Warriors.