May 15 marks the 'death' of the National Education Policy, says education expert

SHAH ALAM – An education expert has cynically suggested May 15 as the official date marking the "death" of the National Education Policy, following the government's decision to allow Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) holders entry into public universities and higher education institutions, also known as IPTA (Institusi Pengajian Tinggi Awam).

Dr Anuar Ahmad, a senior lecturer and researcher in the Sociology of Education at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia's Faculty of Education, sarcastically noted that setting a specific date would at least ensure future generations remember when it happened.

"Coincidentally, tomorrow, May 16, we will be celebrating Teachers' Day.

"Could I propose that today, May 15, 2026, be the official date the National Education Policy document is laid to rest? I can only ask and suggest," he expressed via his Facebook page on Friday.

Media outlets reported yesterday that school leavers from tahfiz (religious) institutions as well as Chinese Independent High Schools (SMPC)/UEC will now have the opportunity to pursue specific identified programmes at IPTAs.

The Higher Education Ministry stated that this move was agreed upon based on a Cabinet meeting decision regarding admission pathways into IPTAs for students from outside the national education system.

Commenting further, Anuar stressed that the National Education Policy is the official blueprint of the country's education.

He said that it serves as the foundational policy document proving the existence of a unified national education system.

"Every Malaysian citizen is supposed to uphold all the education policies contained within this document.

"I just want to ask. Can we agree today with the decision to recognise the UEC (even partially) when the National Education Policy document itself clearly states that it does not recognise the UEC?

"Which one are we supposed to follow?" he questioned.