KUCHING, Dec 16 2025: Saya Anak Sarawak (SAS) founder Peter John Jaban has criticised Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for his “deeply offensive” statement over the DAP’s call for the federal government to give recognition to Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) from the Chinese Independent Schools.
Peter John Jaban: The prime minister’s assertion that he “does not care who makes the demand” is deeply concerning
He said the rakyat expect engagement, explanation, and accountability not indifference, saying that Malaysia’s strength has always rested on consultation, compromise, and respect for all voices within the federation.
Peter said it is dismissive for Anwar to say that “ I have made it clear. I do not care who makes the demand, which party it comes from or how much influence they have.”
He said the prime minister’s assertion that he “does not care who makes the demand” is deeply concerning.
“While influence and political affiliation should not dictate policy, neither should legitimate concerns be brushed aside,” the state’s civil rights activist, said.
Peter said Anwar’s statement is deeply offensive to the people of Sarawak and Sabah, saying it reflects a dismissive attitude towards the two Borneo regions, whose support was decisive in his appointment as the prime minister.
“Without the backing of Sabah and Sarawak, he would not be prime minister today,” Peter reminded.
He highlighted an important difference between the education policies of Malayan states and the policies practised here in Sarawak, specifically regarding the recognition of UEC.
“Sarawak will always stands firm on recognising the UEC not to oppose the federal government, but to protect our talent and strengthen our multicultural identity.
“Borneo leads with solutions, not politics.
“As we all know, Malaysia at the national level still does not recognise the UEC as equivalent to SPM or STPM for admission into public universities or for employment in the federal civil service.
“This has been the long-standing federal position, and all states in Malaya continue to follow this policy,” he noted.
“However, Sarawak has chosen a different path that reflects our own values, our multicultural identity, and our vision for the future.
“Since around 2014 to 2015, the Sarawak government has officially recognised the UEC for key purposes such as entry into the Sarawak civil service, eligibility for state scholarships, including those from Yayasan Sarawak, and admission into state-linked higher education institutions,” he said.
He said more recently, Sarawak has expanded this recognition even further by allowing UEC holders to qualify for free tertiary education under the new higher education scheme, beginning in 2026.
He said this is a clear indication of the state’s commitment to empowering the next generation.
“Why does Sarawak recognise the UEC?” he asked, pointing out that the Sarawak doesn't want to be branded as a brain drain country.
“First, it is to retain local talent. We want our bright young people to stay, study, and serve in Sarawak, instead of being forced to leave simply because their qualifications are not recognised.
“Second, it is to support multilingualism as many of our students attend Chinese independent schools,” he said, adding that recognising UEC is consistent with Sarawak’s long-standing multicultural and multilingual character something we are proud of,” Peter said.
He also said that recognising UEC is to broaden educational pathways as it is recognised globally by many international universities.
“By embracing it, we give our youth greater opportunities to pursue higher education and later return to contribute to our economy,” he added.
He also recalled that over time, the English-medium syllabus was abolished step by step, culminating in the conversion of all English schools into Sekolah Kebangsaan.
“Before the change to Sekolah Kebangsaan, most parents preferred to send their children to English-medium schools,” he said, adding that only a very few chose Sekolah Kebangsaan or other vernacular schools.
“Instead of addressing the weaknesses within the national school system, the authorities responded by eliminating English-medium schools altogether, effectively forcing students into a system that many already viewed as failing.
“We put the blame on first Prime MinisterTunku Abdul Rahman, second Prime Minister Tun Razak Hussein and Anwar Ibrahim himself.
“Anwar served as Malaysia’s Minister of Education from 1986 to 1991, during the administration of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
“They abolished the English syllabus one by one, and finally converted all English schools to Sekolah Kebangsaan,” he recalled/
“Prior to that not many parents wanted to send their children to Sekolah Kebangsaan and other vernacular schools as they all wanted English schools,” Peter said.
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