Its publicity spokesman, Ti Lian Ker, asked: “Who is Perkasa to object to UEC?
“Who is Perkasa to politicise and reject the UEC when politicians from both sides of the political divide can put aside their political rivalry and agree on this fundamental principle that education should not be politicised?
“The UEC is recognised by top universities around the world, such as the California Institute of Technology, Harvard University, Oxford University, University of Cambridge, University of Toronto and the National University of Singapore (NUS).
“So there should not be any further political hurdles for its recognition,” he told FMT.
He said Perkasa was an extreme right movement that always had links to PPBM chairman Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
“I believe Dr Mahathir, being a former patron of Perkasa, can exert his influence over Perkasa.
“Once he voices his support for UEC’s recognition, the political hurdles will be cleared and no one’s going to start a ‘war’ or hold the government to ransom.
“The UEC’s recognition will be a progressive step forward for all.
“It would be interesting to get Dr Mahathir’s thoughts on this now that his party is a partner with DAP in Pakatan Harapan.
“Dr Mahathir should come out and openly support the government and Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s proposal to seriously consider the recognition and acceptance of UEC.
“This will facilitate the government to resolve this long-outstanding issue faced by UEC in getting recognition since Dr Mahathir’s days as prime minister for 22 years.”
Ti said now that Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PPB), from Sarawak, had openly supported the recognition of UEC and the government is seriously considering its recognition, DAP and its leader, Lim Kit Siang, should convince their partners, Dr Mahathir and Anwar Ibrahim, to support the government.”
Ti lauded Zahid’s commitment to UEC.
“The deputy PM has suggested that the education ministry should do a serious study and propose to the cabinet to provide a solution to resolve the issue once and for all.
“This is indeed laudable.
“Now is the time for all political parties, especially the opposition parties in Pakatan, to band together to provide political support to the BN government to provide a political solution to this issue.”
It was earlier reported that Perkasa president Ibrahim Ali would “declare war” on the federal government if it gives recognition to the UEC.
He said the government should not approve UEC as it runs counter to the national education policy, as provided for in the Education Act 1996, and Article 152 (1) of the Federal Constitution, which specifies Malay as the national language.
On Feb 8, Vincent Lau Lee Ming, chairman of the United Chinese School Committees Association of Malaysia (Dong Zong), which organises UEC, had refuted claims that the syllabus for UEC’s history subject had been taken from China and Taiwan.
He said Dong Zong was ready to discuss the matter with the education ministry on its decision to require students to pass history to obtain the UEC certificate.