PETALING JAYA: The recognition of the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) is an educational issue and not a political one, according to Chinese education groups.

"Dong Jiao Zong would like to reaffirm that recognising the UEC is an educational issue, and that education should not be mixed with politics.

"Moreover, from a purely academic perspective, a pragmatic, professional and rational approach to the UEC recognition can help Malaysia cultivate and retain more talents," it said.

Dong Jiao Zong said this on Friday (Jan 4) in response to Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's interview with Sin Chew Daily.

Dong Zong is the United Chinese School Committees Association of Malaysia while Jiao Zong is the United Chinese School Teachers Association of Malaysia.

Sin Chew quoted Dr Mahathir as saying that the government needed to address the unequal wealth distribution between ethnic groups before recognising the UEC.

Earlier, Dr Mahathir denied that he rejected the recognition of the UEC due to the sensitivity of the Malay community.

After chairing the Pakatan Harapan presidential council on Friday, he clarified that the government had to take into account the views of all races, and not just one, over the issue.

Dong Jiao Zong also reminded the government that the UEC recognition was a promise made by them in the 14th general election manifesto.

"We hope that with Pakatan taking over the federal government currently, new thinking and governance should be installed, and promises credited, including the UEC recognition," it said.

Dong Jiao Zong added that all concerned parties and stakeholders could submit their opinions to the committee set up by the Education Ministry to study the opinions about the UEC recognition.

"As such, no party should endeavour to politicise and incite racial sentiments on this matter, which is likely to interfere with the UEC recognition," it said.