MCA calls for UEC recognition, merit-based university admissions in Selangor

The MCA's Selangor chapter has renewed calls for the government to formally recognise the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) as a qualification for university admissions, arguing that entry into tertiary institutions should be based primarily on academic merit.

In a statement, the party urged the federal government to disclose comprehensive data on current admission procedures, including enrollment figures, quota allocations, and the specific criteria used to select students across different higher education pathways. The MCA contends that greater transparency would strengthen public confidence in the tertiary education system.

The push reflects ongoing debate within Malaysian politics over university admission standards and the role of the UEC, a qualification offered by Chinese independent schools that has not been officially recognised by the government for direct university entry purposes.

MCA leaders have previously advocated for merit-based admissions as a way to ensure qualified students gain access to universities regardless of educational background, while maintaining high standards across Malaysian institutions of higher learning.

The call comes as Malaysia continues to grapple with questions about how to balance access to education with academic quality in its tertiary sector.