Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Abdul Karim called on Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir and Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek to resign over their handling of the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) issue, accusing them of failing to defend the national education policy [1, 2]. His call came on May 15 and focused on concerns about the recognition and acceptance of UEC holders in public universities.

The UEC issue is not new. Previous governments accepted the certificate under specific conditions, including that candidates have the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) qualification with passes in Bahasa Melayu and History subjects [1, 2]. The cabinet decided on pathways for students outside the national education system to pursue selected programmes at public universities. This includes graduates from Chinese private secondary schools and tahfiz institutions, but admission remains conditional [1, 2].

The Higher Education Ministry confirmed that UEC holders and tahfiz institution graduates are eligible for certain university programmes, subject to these clear conditions [1, 2]. According to PKR secretary-general Datuk Dr Fuziah Salleh, Hassan’s call for the ministers to resign reflects his personal opinion and does not represent the government’s position [1, 2]. She said on May 16: "That is his (Hassan's) personal view. Actually, this UEC issue is not a new issue. Other parties also recognised it, so there is no issue. That is his personal view" [1].

Fuziah added that the government’s decision "to allow Chinese Private Secondary Schools graduates or UEC holders to follow certain programmes at public higher education institutions was made with clear conditions, including having SPM qualifications and a pass in Bahasa Melayu and history subjects" [2]. She urged that the matter should not be politicised or made into a divisive issue given its prior implementation under similar terms [1, 2].

The issue remains a subject of political debate following Hassan’s resignation call. The cabinet’s established policy allowing UEC holders conditional entry to public universities remains in effect, with no announced changes pending.

The next expected update on the policy or any changes from the Education Ministry has not been disclosed as of May 30, 2026.