Its chairman Tan Yew Sing said Sarawak has achieved many breakthroughs when it comes to Chinese education, citing the state’s recognition of Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) graduates as an example, The Borneo Post reported.

“I urge our federal government to emulate Sarawak’s way of handling Chinese education. This is a sure way of ensuring that the country’s education standards can be improved,” he was quoted as saying.

Tan said he was impressed by premier Abang Johari Openg’s declaration that his administration was treating the group “as partners for nation-building in education”.

Sarawak has recognised the UEC since 2014, allowing holders of the certificate to work in the state civil service and apply for scholarships from Yayasan Sarawak as well as entry into the state-owned University of Technology Sarawak.

Last year, Putrajaya said it had no plans to recognise the UEC which the government had previously said went against the national education policy.

In August this year, Tan was reported as saying he would push for the UEC to be recognised by Putrajaya.