Outstanding performances in the 2025 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) by Maahad Tahfiz Negeri Pahang (MTNP) and Maahad Tahfiz Turath Negeri Pahang (MTTNP), both under Yayasan Pahang, have helped the state achieve its best-ever state average grade, placing it second nationwide. _NST, 8/4/2026
Recently, we read that the Anwar's Madani Government has OPENED access to Malaysian Public Universities for students from Tahfiz/Religious Schools and the Chinese Independent Schools.
A bit of research revealed a 'LIE?' - because Tahfiz/Religious schools take the SPM, and the Chinese Independent schools have UEC (an equivalent to the SPM). Many in the Chinese Independent schools also do additionally sit for SPM/STPM exams...but some may only have have UEC certifications ...UEC certification today is acknowledged by many Universities overseas and private universities in Malaysia - ONLY the Malaysian public Universities do not???
Under the new framework, two distinct pathways are now available. First, students from these streams who possess a full Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) certificate may apply for any study programme offered through the standard UPUOnline system.
Second, for those without a full SPM but who have passed the SPM papers for Bahasa Melayu and History, a new pathway has been created for them to apply to a specific list of relevant degree and diploma programmes.For religious and tahfiz school graduates under this second pathway, the identified programmes include studies in Dakwah (Islamic Outreach), Al-Quran and As-Sunnah, and Tahfiz Education.
Meanwhile, for graduates of Chinese independent secondary schools, the available courses focus on Chinese language and cultural studies, such as a Bachelor of Arts in Chinese Language Studies and a Bachelor of Chinese Language and Linguistics
Initial happiness EXTINGUISHED because it is not a TOTAL Recognition, which opens to all courses in Malaysian Public Universities (which Malaysians fund with our monies) - but a LIMITED ACCESS to just to some Islamic studies, and for UEC just Bachelor of Arts in Chinese Language Studies and a Bachelor of Chinese Language and Linguistics. MOST DISCRIMINATORY - if recognized, access to all courses in Malaysian Public Universities.
Now, we learn that Tahfiz/Religious schools sit for the SPM there is no other academic qualification exam like UEC- in fact some Tahfiz schools do rather well in SPM - one even 2nd nationwide? -
Thus, was not the only QUESTION for Malaysia's PM Anwar Ibrahim's MADANI government to do was the recognition of the UEC academic certification for admission into PUBLIC Universities and to get to become public officers??/- Note, the UEC graduates are not just Chinese Malaysians but also include Bumiputeras too. So it is not just discriminatory against Chinese and Indian Malaysians but also Malaysian Bumiputra students?
Bumiputera students make up approximately20% of the student population in Chinese Independent High Schools. While the vast majority are Chinese, a growing number of Malay and other indigenous Bumiputera students take the UEC (Unified Examination Certificate) to benefit from its trilingual curriculum
The UEC is accepted by over 1,000 universities worldwide as a qualification equivalent to A-levels or STPM.
Why is Anwar Ibrahim's Madani government not acknowledging UEC? It is really an achievement of Malaysians - how many other non-government academic qualification have gained recognition of so many foreign Universities? Getting an EDUCATION standard created not by government is a GREAT achievement - now recognized by about 1,000 Universities...(What was needed was just that the Malaysian government to decide whether the UEC is of sufficient standard to be a necessary academic qualification for entry into PUBLIC Universities in Malaysia - FULL STOP.
Politics should not be brought in...Malaysian Public Universities do already consider academic qualification OTHER than SPM/STPM - they consider A Levels, and other national qualification especially for foreign students....do the foreign students in Malaysian Public Universities have SPM/STPM to enter - naturally NOT - the Universities evaluate and determine whether their academic qualification from overseas is acceptable to be recognized for entry qualification for local Public Universities ...that is all - so do the same for UEC?
Was Anwar's decision a politically-motivated decision, to give an impression that he is pro-MALAY??? What was the DAP and MCA's motivation?
At the end of the day, it is an issue affecting Malaysian CHILDREN - and as such, the ONLY consideration must be an evaluation of the certification - is it GOOD enough to be recognized as enough for admission into Malaysian PUBLIC Universities, and for entry into PUBLIC SERVICE > No problem if it requires an additional SPM Credit for Bahasa Malaysia and History...
UEC is IRRELEVANT if the student manages to get into University and secure a Diploma, Degree, Masters or Doctorate from the University...because then only the later is important...
HISTORY - Why? As it is the History taught in Malaysia have problems in terms of accuracy - 'the famous cliché suggests history is dictated solely by the winners' - in the Malaysian context, the British colonial power was handed over to UMNO-MCA-MIC coalition - and thus WHO decided and wrote the Malaysian HISTORY was this UMNO-MCA-MIC coalition government .... did they accurately record the contributions of others in Malaysia in the fight for MERDEKA. Remember UMNO was not even involved in the HARTAL - and thus a 're-writing of History'?? showing that this political parties were PRIMARILY responsible for getting MERDEKA ...so, inadvertently many important aspects of our HISTORY is left out...(that is a different discussion...for another time...)
What are the proponents for the recognition of UEC asking for...Note that Sabah/Sarawak has already recognized and accepted UEC - so only Peninsular Malaysian States remain???
...stakeholders are seeking a conclusive answer on whether the UEC will be formally recognised for entry into the civil service and public universities, or whether it will continue to exist in a state of policy uncertainty.
“The federal government must clearly state whether the UEC is academically equivalent to Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) or Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM), and on what objective, transparent and academically defensible criteria such determinations are made,” he told The Borneo Post.
The UEC issue is more that issue of entry into Public Universities - it is also about the issue of qualification for State/Federal Student Grants/Loans, and also qualification for entry into the civil service...Now, Sabah/Sarawak has already acknowledged and accepted the UEC - so it now is about the Peninsular Malaysian States only...
At the federal civil service level, the UEC is not yet recognized for standard government officer entry [Public Uni Pathway](1.1.15, 1.2.11), but you can take the convertible loan pathway Pre-Service Training which converts partially to a scholarship upon entering the civil service.Detailed options for UEC graduates regarding loans and public service include:
1. Education Loans & Grants
- PTPTN: Eligible to apply if your degree or diploma course is fully accredited by the MQA.
- Sarawak Foundation Loans: UEC holders who meet localized criteria, including a Grade B6 in SPM Bahasa Melayu, can apply for this Yayasan Sarawak loan or grant.
- Sabah State Government: Sabah fully recognizes the UEC, allowing holders to apply for state scholarships and financial aid to further their tertiary studies Sabah Govt UEC.
2. Public Service / Civil Service Employment
- Federal Civil Service: The federal government does not currently recognize the UEC for entry into federal civil service jobs or fully unrestricted public university admission [Public Uni Pathway](1.1.15, 1.2.11).
- State Civil Service: East Malaysian states of Sarawak State and Sabah Govt UEC officially recognize the UEC, which qualifies you for employment in state-linked entities, state-owned companies, and state civil services.
- Convertible Loans (PBU): You can apply for the Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam (PSD) sponsorship. If you study under this program and subsequently serve in the Malaysian Civil Service, your loan will be converted into a full scholarship and exempted from repayment Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam.
Now, many students in the Chinese Independent Schools not only get UEC qualifications - but also take the SPM/STPM as well. In the past and still now, many Malaysian students also do not study to get SPM/STPM qualifications - but also A/O Level qualifications - WHY? To increase opportunities for getting accepted to Universities... No big deal.
Remember that if you are only literate in the Malay language - now your chances of getting jobs and promotions reduce - compared to those who have literacy in English, Chinese and other languages. If you cannot speak English, like Anwar Ibrahim, will the government send you overseas for meetings/courses where the language used is basically English..or Chinese.. Only those with language skills get the chance...
Even in the public universities, the needed reference material is NOT in Malay but English... that is why Malaysian education system need to change imparting OTHER language skills including English, Chinese and other language. Malaysia have generally failed to TRANSLATE into Malay required reference material, and other resources ...and with only literacy in Malay...Malaysians students are prejudiced, and blame lies in Malaysian Education policy????
Will a private company who deals with customers and supply chains that do not speak Malay want employees who can speak/communicate in other languages? If you only have Malay, you can get low jobs in maybe Malaysian companies - but you may be unable to qualify for jobs in Singapore, UAE or other countries...???
Many liberal Malaysians, not just the non-Malay population, wonders when the government will address this issue that affects Malaysian UNITY > Special preference for certain citizens in terms of education is acceptable - but there must be some certainty as to the QUOTA allocated.
IT was shocking that UITM closes its doors to non-Bumiputra students, and oddly allows foreign students. What I expected of the MADANI government was to change this and open the doors to non-Bumiputra students - even if a higher quota of 60-70% is maintained for Bumiputra students - and CLOSE the door to foreign students. This is a PUBLIC or government University - and all Malaysians pay for it???
As all students compete for places in Malaysian government universities - which rightly not simply merits-based BUT should take into account socioeconomic realities. For 'superior' big town schools, usually with better teachers and access to tuition centers IS NOT THE SAME as rural schools, which is not of the same quality. There must be special preference for children from poorer families who simply cannot afford additional tuition or other reference books
When I was in school, for the form 6 exam (HSC/STPM), in my school in Kuantan, the teacher only managed to cover 2 out the 3 parts in the Chemistry subject - so, when I sat for the Chemistry paper, I could only answer two-thirds of the questions - compared to students in many Klang Valley/Big Town schools...
When Anwar became PM, he took the position that 'special preference' should be for B40 and M40 - because the rich can easily find other options even if they do not get admitted to public universities...
Anwar's MADANI government FAILINGS -
a) Failed to change Malaysian EDUCATION priority that emphasizes not just Malay, but also other languages like English, Chinese, Arabic, Spanish and languages needed to improve employment opportunities in our GLOBAL World for our young people;
Mr Anwar also said that if he were to remove the racial quota system, his Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition and its alliance the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition would lose all elections in Malaysia. “We will lose all the elections in this country and you will suffer more in this country. Run by PAS (Parti Islam Se-Malaysia) and Bersatu (Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia). Do you understand that?” he said. He added: “They are my children - the Chinese and the Indian students here. (If) you force us to change course now, to satisfy the demand of the extremists, we will be wiped out in the elections. “You will have PAS and Bersatu to govern and you know how they treat you. So please bear with us.”
b) Preferential treatments for Malays and natives of Sabah/Sarawak still OK - but there must be certainty how this happens. A definite ethnic QUOTA for those given preferential treatment - say 30%. Will those who manage entry by way of these preferential quota face the same standards of evaluation in acquiring University degrees > OR will lower standards apply - so, the 30% still graduate even if the fall below the required standards to pass exams > our future doctors, engineers, lawyers,etc...??? These need to be CLARIFIED by the MADANI government ... what is the policy and practice? If a Malaysian is seeking a good doctor - will it choose a Malay or native Sabah/Sarawak doctor or will they chose a non-Malay doctor - not certain about the 'quality' of the doctor because of this 'special preference' policy? From my experience there are many Malay doctors, engineers, lawyers that are TOP QUALITY - but the suffer the 'perception' that they are lower in standards because many believe they are sub-standard because they passed because of their ethnicity - and not because of their achievement academically ...HOW do we deal with this PERCEPTION, which is FALSE in most cases?
Anwar did not want to REVIEW the Quota System or EXPLAIN better WHY the QUOTA system is still NEEDED today - His only REASON once, was if we do that - PAS and BERSATU will come into POWER come next elections >> was it a GOOD reason? It may be important for PAS to explain their position on the QUOTA system, UITM, UEC too... IS PAS a WORSE Option for Malaysians today... or is PH the worse option?
c) UITM Issue - MADANI government should have acted - OPENED it to non-Bumiputra students, setting maybe a low QUOTA of 10-15%...and closed the doors to foreign students.
ALL Malaysians want a GOVERNMENT for all Malaysians, that emphasize and recognize EQUALITY of persons. OK for preferential treatment for some marginalized and poor - especially the B40 and M40 - but not otherwise.
NO preferential treatment for some politicians and persons in LAW - '...entitled to the equal protection of the law...'. This means that even them politicians that break the law, even though the support of their party MPs are needed for Anwar to remain Prime Minister and for the MADANI government continue to govern, they must be investigated and CHARGED for their crimes...
Even if the alleged perpetrator is Anwar Ibrahim himself - he must be professionally investigated and charged if needed.
TRUE, PH, in the last elections did not get MUCH MALAY SUPPORT -
Pakatan Harapan chairman Anwar Ibrahim has dismissed claims that the coalition lacked Malay support and had received only 19% of Malay votes in the recent general election. Anwar said a preliminary analysis of the election results showed that PH received the support of 31% of Malay voters overall.- FMT, 6/2/2023
Our VOTES are secret - so how exactly did you figure out how many Malays voted for PH?
Another factor that has CHANGED is Malaysians have moved from voting for a political party because of its RELIGION or ETHNICITY - the modern VOTER is smarter - he/she looks at the PARTY's position/principles/values and of course its track record. If there are many who have been corrupt, or many who still support leaders who are CORRUPT - then, the VOTER's preference is for one that is CLEAN, Efficient and TRUSTWORTHY. The VOTER's preference is for a party and its 'leaders' who speak out bravely against injustices, wrongs... In that sense, PAS gets more and more support - as there SEEMS to be less CORRUPTION or ABUSE of Power cases against its leaders/members.
BN/UMNO got rejected because of 1MDB/SRC - and numerous allegation of corruption and abuse of power - and confirmed by Najib's conviction - and the fact that many still in leadership still deny this fact. Then, there is Zahid Hamidi - prima facie case against all 47 charges (it matters not that the Prosecutor has discontinued the case, the DNAA, etc - for after all it was NOT a decision of the COURT at the end of the Trial).
PH too is plagued now with its own 'corruption' and abuse of power - we have Anwar's own political secretary, allegations of abuse of power by Anwar... all NOT RESOLVED. Worse, was the fact that Anwar applied for NAJIB to be pardoned, and made Zahid Hamidi his Deputy Prime Minister... Note also DAP leaders corruption cases...
When PH decided to JOIN HANDS with UMNO/BN to form the government - many were angry...but many accepted as PH had 'NO CHOICE' but to join hands with BN to form government ... BUT, when PH formed an 'electoral pact' with BN to contest some elections, MANY were disappointed... OK as far as elections to contest as PH only - and then if the ONLY OPTION to form Government is to do so with BN > but to CONTEST TOGETHER??
Do NOT UEC a racial issue - it is NOT...
LET's BE HONEST ...
All in all, we need to know MORE about the UEC. Is the UEC really following the Malaysian education fundamental policy/syllabus/requirements - is this even required in LAW. It is OK if the language of instruction is DIFFERENT, and it is OK if they study MORE than what is required by the existing Malaysian policy. NOW, if they were breaking the Malaysian law and not teaching the basics as required by government policy - WHY was no legal action taken against them before? - this applies to the all INDEPENDENT schools in Malaysia, Tahfiz schools and other schools as it involves MALAYSIAN children.. it is NOT just a matter of content, but also a matter of QUALITY (lower quality should be a breach of law - whilst same or Higher quality should NOT be???) Best interest of the CHILD is an important Human RIGHT ...we do not want schools that teach how to be corrupt, or promote ethnic/religious/gender discrimination...???
Tahfiz schools lift Pahang to 2nd place in 2025 SPM
KUANTAN: Outstanding performances in the 2025 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) by Maahad Tahfiz Negeri Pahang (MTNP) and Maahad Tahfiz Turath Negeri Pahang (MTTNP), both under Yayasan Pahang, have helped the state achieve its best-ever state average grade, placing it second nationwide.
MTTNP emerged as the top school in both Pahang and the country, while MTNP was ranked second in the state and placed among the top five nationwide.
MTTNP recorded an impressive school average grade (GPS) of 0.6, with
83.3 per cent of its students achieving straight A's, underscoring the
institution's status as a model
of educational excellence that integrates academic strength with character development.
MTNP, the top-performing school nationwide in the 2023 SPM, delivered another outstanding performance, recording a GPS of 1.06 — the best in its history — with 90 per cent of its students scoring at least eight A's.
Yayasan Pahang said some quarters had argued that religious subjects such as Al-Adab Wa Al-Balaghah and Hifz Al-Quran contributed to inflated grades.
"This is untrue. Unlike typical science stream students who usually take about nine subjects, students at MTNP often handle 11 to 12 subjects.
"This includes advanced Arabic and specialised Islamic studies, indicating that their achievements are not derived from taking 'easier' papers, but from managing a more demanding curriculum."
The foundation said greater emphasis should be placed on the cognitive impact of hifz, or Quran memorisation, as studies suggested that the discipline required to memorise all 30 juzuk (chapters) could boost focus and memory retention.
"These cognitive benefits support students in mastering challenging subjects such as Physics and Additional Mathematics, as well as passing the Syahadah Quran tests for 10, 20 and 30 juzuk," it said.
Yayasan Pahang said beyond academic performance, students were shaped by a rigorous culture of discipline and time management.
"Their daily routine, often described as a '3am to 11pm cycle', reflects a balance between religious and academic commitments.
"The day typically begins in the early hours before dawn with Quran memorisation, requiring high levels of focus and mental endurance.
"As the day progresses, students transition into formal academic classes, including practical science laboratory work.
"This demonstrates their ability to manage time effectively in a dual curriculum that integrates spiritual and academic excellence.
"The strong SPM performance was attributed to the commitment of stakeholders in advancing education in the state, particularly under the leadership of Yayasan Pahang chairman Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail.
The achievement reflects steady progress in the state's education sector, demonstrating that ongoing efforts to improve quality are yielding results.
This aligns with the Pahang First aspiration, which prioritises human capital development and educational excellence._NST, 8/4/2026
UEC Results Will Count For Admissions at UPM, UM And UPSI — But Only For These Four Courses
To qualify, applicants must have obtained a credit in Bahasa Melayu and a pass in History in the SPM; the application starts on 30 June.
Malaysia PM’s 'harsh' response to student's question on meritocracy stirs debate; Anwar explains why ethnic quotas cannot be scrapped
Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at the Penang MADANI Unity Tour on Aug 5, 2023. (Photo: Facebook/Anwar Ibrahim)
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is under fire for his harsh tone during his explanation to a student that the country’s racial quota system cannot be scrapped as it would cause the unity government alliance to lose all elections.
Videos of his response went viral and sparked debate online among the Malaysian masses.
Last Saturday (Aug 5), during a dialogue session at the Penang Matriculation College, Mr Anwar was asked by a student about whether the student admission quota system will be abolished in favour of a meritocratic system.
In Malaysia, the expansive pro-Bumiputera system means that Bumiputera students enjoy a 90 per cent quota for the matriculation college enrolment, paving their way to university.
After interrupting the student twice, Mr Anwar chided her for asking a question that he had answered before at a separate “Meet Anwar” event.
“Next time, follow this,” he told her.
He then went on to explain that such questions require knowledge about history and the social contract in Malaysia, adding that it is better to provide special aid to a few outstanding non-Bumiputera students than to change the policy.
Mr Anwar also said that if he were to remove the racial quota system, his Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition and its alliance the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition would lose all elections in Malaysia.
“We will lose all the elections in this country and you will suffer more in this country. Run by PAS (Parti Islam Se-Malaysia) and Bersatu (Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia). Do you understand that?” he said.
He added: “They are my children - the Chinese and the Indian students here. (If) you force us to change course now, to satisfy the demand of the extremists, we will be wiped out in the elections.
“You will have PAS and Bersatu to govern and you know how they treat you. So please bear with us.” - CNA, 7/8/2023
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