Sunday, December 14, 2025
Ten people, including one shooter, dead after Bondi Beach attack
BREAKING
Ten people, including one shooter, dead after Bondi Beach attack
2 hours ago
Ten people, including one shooter, have been killed in an attack at Sydney's Bondi Beach on Sunday evening, NSW Police have confirmed.
A second shooter is in police custody, and is in a critical condition.
Eleven other people were injured.
Two police officers were among those shot.
A number of people have been taken to hospitals across Sydney. (ABC News: Nick Dole)
A suspected improvised explosive device (IED) has been located and is being dealt with by the bomb squad.
In an update just before 9pm, police said the operation following the public place shooting which unfolded on Campbell Parade about 6:45pm was ongoing, with the number of casualties "expected to change".
Earlier in a post on social media, police called it a "developing incident", urging people to avoid the area.
"Anyone at the scene should take shelter. Police are on scene and more information will be provided when it comes to hand," they said.
"We are still asking people in the area to take shelter until we can determine what is happening."
NSW Police have confirmed 10 people including the shooter have died in the Bondi Beach attack. (ABC News: Isobel Roe)
Emergency services are at the scene, including more than 25 resources made up of medical teams, ambulances, helicopters and special operations units.
There is no information at this stage about the target or nature of the shooting, but a Chanukah by the Sea event was scheduled to take place near the children's playground from 5pm, and had begun.
NSW Ambulance said they were treating multiple patients at the scene and have transported six to St Vincent's Hospital, three to Royal Prince Alfred and two to St George.
There is no information at this stage about the target or nature of the shooting, but a Chanukah by the Sea event was scheduled to take place near the children's playground from 5pm, and had begun.
NSW Ambulance said they were treating multiple patients at the scene and have transported six to St Vincent's Hospital, three to Royal Prince Alfred and two to St George.
One of the alleged shooters has been taken into custody, while the other is in a critical condition. (ABC News)
Vision from the grass area at the beach shows a frantic and horrific scene with multiple people lying on the ground injured as paramedics work on them.
People can be seen running away from the area, others have got bandages on their head while other people are covered in blood.
'It was panic'
Randwick resident and former journalist Elizabeth Mealey said she was having dinner in the Icebergs restaurant when they heard shots ring out.
"We thought it was fireworks, but it wasn't. It was something much worse," she told the ABC.
"People started running right up the beach. It was panic and the panic spread to Icebergs and people are standing around still not knowing what's going on, so it's scary."
She said she could not see the shooter, but it sounded like it was coming from somewhere near to the Bondi Pavilion.
"We thought it was fireworks, but it wasn't. It was something much worse," she told the ABC.
"People started running right up the beach. It was panic and the panic spread to Icebergs and people are standing around still not knowing what's going on, so it's scary."
She said she could not see the shooter, but it sounded like it was coming from somewhere near to the Bondi Pavilion.
NSW Police are urging people to take shelter and stay away from the area. (ABC News)
"It felt like it took a long time to hear a siren, we've got a helicopter coming in now and ambulance is arriving, it's pandemonium, and we really don't know what's happening.
She said she saw people running from north Bondi to the south end to get away from what they could hear.
"We did hear what sounded like another type of gunfire, eventually which we were hoping and assuming it was police shooting back.
"And after that, it went a bit quieter but still kept up, but at this point, we are assuming it's over, but no one really knows.
"It's terrifying."
ABC deputy head of communications, Sally Jackson, was in North Bondi when she heard about 20 shots fired and saw people running from the beach in their swimmers.
She said women and their children were knocking on gates and asking to shelter at nearby homes.
"There was like Jewish women and children, incredibly distressed, very, very distressed and scared, who went upstairs to the bedroom here and stayed here until we could arrange for family members to come and pick them up," Ms Jackson said.
NSW Police are urging people to avoid Bondi Beach as they respond to reports of an active shooter. (ABC News: Nick Dole)
Premier, PM respond to shooting
In a statement NSW Premier Chris Minns urged people to follow the advice of authorities.
"The reports and images coming out of Bondi tonight are deeply distressing," he said.
"We will update the public as soon as more information becomes available."
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the incident "shocking and distressing".
"Police and emergency responders are on the ground working to save lives. My thoughts are with every person affected," he said in a statement.
In a statement NSW Premier Chris Minns urged people to follow the advice of authorities.
"The reports and images coming out of Bondi tonight are deeply distressing," he said.
"We will update the public as soon as more information becomes available."
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the incident "shocking and distressing".
"Police and emergency responders are on the ground working to save lives. My thoughts are with every person affected," he said in a statement.
A witness told the ABC it was panic and it spread to the Icebergs restaurant. (ABC News: Nick Dole)
Speaking at an event in Jerusalem, Israeli President Isaac Herzog spoke of the shooting, calling it a "very cruel attack on Jews" during a special community celebration.
"Our hearts go out to them. The heart of the entire nation of Israel misses a beat at this very moment, as we pray for the recovery of the wounded, we pray for them and we pray for those who lost their lives," he said.
“We repeat our alerts time and again to the Australian government to seek action and fight against the enormous wave of antisemitism which is plaguing Australian society.”
Temperature rises online as netizens point out a purportedly “illegal” temple in Bangi
Temperature rises online as netizens point out a purportedly “illegal” temple in Bangi
By CS Ming
1 minute ago
TOURISTS who come to Malaysia will quickly note the diverse racial demography living in this blessed nation. In fact, our racial harmony and manifold traditions have always been part and parcel of the charm that attracts foreigners.
It would be a real shame for our visitors to find that beneath the thin veneer is a tenuous peace that might unravel at any moment.
Recently, a netizen grabbed quite the attention for pointing out a purportedly illegal temple, built on land owned by Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. How true is that?
Regardless, it is another pressure cooker that might blow up if not handled in a delicate manner.
Kuil Haram atas tanah milik UKM
Diam diam eh buat keje, kemain besar celah celah pokok tu. UKM sedar tak ada kuil haram atas tanah UKM?
UKM bayar cukai tanah dekat Kerajaan Selangor RM 16K setahun. Kuil haram PERCUMA!
The video can be found at: https://x.com/dahfollowbelum/status/1999341686032597075
From the post, the temple was highlighted from various angles, and has since received over 605 shares and 48 comments.
According to the netizen who posted the video, UKM pays RM16,269 in land taxes per year to the government while the so-called “illegal” temple pays nothing.
Netizrn @AjakWarner chipped in, saying that even mosques built illegally have to be demolished.
The temperature is rising in the comment section. Another netizen suggested the temple be demolished so that the Bangi Semenyih road can be widened.
But for @irl1hke, that wasn’t enough. He suggested that the temple management be fined too.
“Here is an honest question to its practitioners. Does your religion teach you to trespass some other people’s land illegally?” said @AddinJailani.
A quick check on the internet revealed that there were complains about the Sri Maha Mariamman temple at Bangi Lama since some time back, take for example, a Facebook post by Isu Semasa Online dating back to 14 April this year. —Dec 14, 2025
Main image: @dahfollowbelum (X)
Zaid Ibrahim questions PM’s “summon” to Johor Palace meeting with TMJ
Zaid Ibrahim questions PM’s “summon” to Johor Palace meeting with TMJ
FORMER de facto Law Minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim has raised concerns over reports of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin being summoned to the Johor Palace for a meeting with Tunku Mahkota Johor (TMJ).
While the purpose remains unclear, possibly security, business, or state matters, Zaid posed direct questions to the PM.
“Are you required to be at Johor Palace whenever the regent requests it, and can you tell us what matters were discussed? Do you attend to all the requests for meetings from the nine other regents in the country, or only Johor?” he said.
“Is it now the practice of our constitutional government that the PM and his ministers are required to attend meetings with the regents at the Istana and not divulge what they discussed?” he wondered.
Finally, he asked whether the PM can say with certainty if his government recognises, in dealing with the Istana, between what is personal and what are affairs of state
As usual, Zaid attracted a lot of comments on his post. Some pointed out that there is a lack of transparency in the Prime Minister’s office dealings in such matters. Others tried to play in the expert role on constitutional monarchy matters, suggesting that the PM must always kowtow to demands from the palace.
Here, a Facebook user, Khalid Ahmad said, “A brief, respectful statement from the PMO would promote transparency and prevent speculation. Remaining silent undermines public trust, and the questions raised are reasonable, reflecting citizens’ commitment to accountability and democratic governance.”
Bernie Fung mentioned the Conference of the Malays Rulers as a main player in Malaysia as the Constitutionals Monarchy overseer.
“Hence when a member of that conference requested the PM and his minister for an audience with his Royal Highness”, there should NOT be any issue,” said Bernie.
The user then suggested that it is good communication and whatever is discussed is often a private matter and is confidential.
Meanwhile, for Nabil Abd, the two leaders being summoned shows that is something of serious nature that could involve national security.
“TMJ has no time for petty national politics. There must be a pressing issue. TMJ is not your typical ruler who closes his eyes to wrong things happening around us. He will speak up when he needs to and I support this,” Nabil added. —Dec 14, 2025
High Court orders retrial of Rewcastle-Brown over sultanah defamation
High Court orders retrial of Rewcastle-Brown over sultanah defamation
Published: Dec 14, 2025 2:12 PM
Updated: 5:26 PM
The Kuala Terengganu High Court has ordered a retrial of Sarawak Report founder Clare Rewcastle-Brown’s criminal defamation case, which saw her sentenced to two years’ jail last year.
Judge Radzi Harun today ruled that the proceedings before the previous magistrate amounted to a mistrial, as the court had erred in applying Section 425A of the Criminal Procedure Code, which allows a criminal trial to proceed in the absence of the accused.
He subsequently set aside Rewcastle-Brown’s conviction for criminally defaming Terengganu Sultanah Nur Zahirah, as well as the jail sentence imposed by the magistrate.
“As this court has declared a mistrial, the charge against the appellant (Rewcastle-Brown) still subsists and the criminal principle of autrefois acquit or autrefois convict does not apply in favour of the appellant.
“Unless the public prosecutor decides otherwise within his powers under Article 145(3) of the Federal Constitution and Section 376(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code, I order the case to be mentioned before a new magistrate with a view that a retrial be held on the same charge against the appellant.
“The magistrate shall then resummon the prosecution’s witnesses and record their evidence in the absence of the appellant pursuant to Section 401(1) of the Code.
“Any such deposition may, upon the arrest of the appellant at any later date, be given in evidence against her at the trial for the offence with which she is charged, pursuant to Section 401(2) of the Code,” he said in allowing Rewcastle-Brown’s appeal against the lower court’s decision.
Charged in absentia
Rewcastle-Brown was charged in absentia on Sept 23, 2021 under Section 500 of the Penal Code with criminal defamation over her book “The Sarawak Report - The Inside Story of the 1MDB Exposé”.
Section 500 provides a punishment of up to two years imprisonment, or a fine, or both.
The case centred on a paragraph in the initial edition of the book that mentioned the sultanah and which, according to the charge sheet, contained the offending words in line seven of paragraph four on page three.
“(It) contains accusations against Sultanah Nur Zahirah as underlined ‘the wife of the sultan’, which is libel where you have cause to believe that the accusation will spoil the good name of Sultanah Nur Zahirah,” the charge sheet stated.
The charge sheet claimed the book was written at Lot 60048, Taman Chenderiang 21080, in Kuala Terengganu at 8am on Sept 14, 2018.
However, later editions of the book removed the paragraph in question.
The trial proceeded without Rewcastle-Brown’s presence and concluded on Feb 7, 2024, with magistrate Nik Tarmizie Nik Shukri finding her guilty and sentencing her to two years’ jail.
The author filed an appeal against the conviction through her lawyer Guok Ngek Seong a day after the verdict.
MCA Youth says BM mastery needed to defend Chinese interests
MCA Youth says BM mastery needed to defend Chinese interests
Published: Dec 14, 2025 2:19 PM
Updated: 5:22 PM
MCA Youth information chief Neow Choo Seong has called upon the Chinese Malaysian community to master Bahasa Malaysia as a necessity to safeguard their interests.
This was amid backlash against the community over a renewed push to have the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) recognised.
Highlighting the rise of racial polarisation across the country, Neow (above) emphasised how it has now become even more important for the Chinese community to master the Malay language, to ensure fairer opportunities for future generations.
“Only with proficiency in Bahasa Malaysia can we participate effectively in national affairs, express our positions clearly, and robustly defend the legitimate rights of the Chinese community,” he said in a press statement, issued in Chinese, today.
Further, he noted how racial tensions in Malaysia have also previously stemmed from language and cultural barriers.
These limitations in communication, he explained, have led to Chinese voices often being misunderstood by other ethnic groups, further undermining Malaysia’s multiculturalism and social harmony.
“Therefore, I urge young leaders to lead by example, not only to master the national language, but also to enhance proficiency in other languages, so that we can present our views with sincerity, reasoning, and facts, and so we can express ourselves rationally and firmly in the pursuit of understanding and respect,” he said.
Tensions run high
Tensions between Malay and Chinese politicians are high after DAP renewed its vow to get the UEC recognised - a pledge that Pakatan Harapan made in its 2018 and 2022 general election manifestos.
This was part of DAP’s pledge to deliver reforms within six months and restore its standing within the Chinese community, following its crushing defeat in the Sabah state polls.
However, the UEC push has since faced resistance from various quarters, including Umno.
READ MORE: KINIGUIDE | UEC: Are the criticisms justified?
On Dec 12, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim responded to the ongoing debate by emphasising that any language demands from a single ethnic group must first respect the constitutional status of Malay as the national language.
The prime minister stated that, after honouring and mastering the Malay language, “we can then discuss other matters.”
Anwar previously said in 2018 that UEC recognition does not undermine the Malay language.
DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke has sought to couch UEC recognition as part of a policy package that is complementary to efforts to uphold the Malay language as well.
Commenting on the UEC debate, Neow said that Chinese ministers who were outspoken in public should not continue to remain silent in the cabinet.
“I sincerely hope all Chinese representatives in the cabinet will make full use of the mandate and authority granted to them by the people, to speak out and truly defend the multicultural spirit and core values that the Chinese community has worked hard to uphold over the years,” he said.
UEC recognition a constitutional right, not threat to Bahasa Malaysia, says DAP Youth Wing
UEC recognition a constitutional right, not threat to Bahasa Malaysia, says DAP Youth Wing
DAP Youth says SPM Malay requirement proves community respects national language. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa
Sunday, 14 Dec 2025 1:00 PM MYT
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 14 — The youth wing of the DAP has thrown its full support behind the push to recognise the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC), arguing that it is not only a Pakatan Harapan manifesto pledge but is also a right grounded in the Federal Constitution’s protection of multi-stream education.
In a statement, the DAP Socialist Youth (DAPSY) urged all parties, including its partners in the unity government, to engage in a fact-based debate and stop spreading “inaccurate information” that pits the UEC against the national language.
DAPSY clarified that “recognition” does not mean turning Chinese independent schools into government schools.
Instead, it said it is about acknowledging the UEC as an academic qualification with international credibility, similar to A-Levels, to allow its holders to apply for admission to public universities.
DAPSY argued this is purely a matter of academic standardisation, not an attempt to alter the national education philosophy.
Addressing the most common criticism, DAPSY stressed that the Chinese school community, including the education group Dong Zong, has already taken a “positive view” of the proposal to require a pass in the SPM Malay language paper as a condition for UEC recognition.
This, they said, proves that the community respects the status of Malay as the national language and that any claim to the contrary is “untrue and driven purely by political sensationalism.”
Consequently, the youth wing firmly backed the position of DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke, who has stated that recognising the UEC does not contravene the Federal Constitution.
DAPSY called on all parties to assess the UEC based on its undisputed academic standards and its international recognition, arguing that it has produced many outstanding talents for the country.
This would help retain more competitive local talent for national development, DAPSY said.
Lim Guan Eng urges full tax refunds, buy-local policy to ease business cash crunch
Lim Guan Eng urges full tax refunds, buy-local policy to ease business cash crunch
The Bagan MP said a proposed RM20 billion tax refund payout before Chinese New Year could inject much-needed liquidity into the business sector. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa
Sunday, 14 Dec 2025 10:27 AM MYT
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 14 — DAP adviser Lim Guan Eng has called on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to immediately release tens of billions of ringgit in excess tax refunds allegedly withheld by the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN), warning that continued delays are deepening a cash squeeze faced by Malaysian businesses and eroding confidence in the unity government.
In a statement today, Lim said there was “no moral, ethical or legal right” for government agencies to retain excess taxes paid by companies, arguing that swift refunds — coupled with stronger support for local producers — would provide the fastest relief to struggling firms, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
“There is no moral, ethical or legal right for government departments to withhold paying back full refunds when this is the taxpayers’ own money,” he said.
Lim, who is a former finance minister, said the current situation mirrored the failure to pay Goods and Services Tax (GST) refunds under the Barisan Nasional administration before 2018, which he said had caused widespread hardship before being resolved under Pakatan Harapan (PH).
“The more than RM30 billion in GST refunds held back before 2018 under the BN administration were paid back by the new PH administration beginning in 2019,” he said.
He said excess taxes paid by companies began to be withheld again in 2020, with outstanding refunds now estimated to run into “tens of billions of ringgit”.
According to the Bagan MP, the estimates were based on published data and complaints received nationwide by DAP elected representatives, involving cases ranging from RM100,000 withheld over five years to sums exceeding RM100 million since 2020.
While acknowledging that the unity government has begun refunding some of the excess taxes, Lim urged faster action, proposing a RM20 billion payout in January 2026 ahead of Chinese New Year, which falls on February 17 and 18, to inject liquidity into the economy.
“RM20 billion in excess tax refunds paid next month in January before the Chinese New Year will help overcome the current cash squeeze and generate tremendous goodwill to the prime minister from businesses,” he said.
“This RM20 billion in January 2026 will also go a long way towards addressing the problem, which hopefully can be resolved by the end of next year.”
Lim also linked the cash squeeze to external trade pressures, saying global tariff disputes — particularly those involving the United States — had led to the dumping of foreign goods and shrinking order books for local firms.
“The tariff war of Donald Trump has hurt Malaysian businesses with the dumping of foreign goods, forcing many to face declining or no new business orders,” he said.
To counter this, Lim proposed a new policy requiring compulsory government purchases of at least 50 per cent local products, saying it would help sustain domestic demand and support SMEs.
“Companies, especially SMEs, need help to generate new business orders to help overcome the current cash squeeze,” he said.
***
Hoping to be a 'Come Back' Kid - Sabah elections gave him the opportunity to cakap banyak, wakakaka
Settled in secrecy: Questions remain on pavilion 'theft'
R Nadeswaran
Published: Dec 12, 2025 8:00 AM
Updated: 5:20 PM
COMMENT | After eight months of endless chatter, lawyerly posturing, and even a cameo in Parliament, Malaysia’s Expo 2025 pavilion saga has been “settled” - though only in the kind of paperwork haze where problems go to chill but never really die.
On April 26, a seemingly innocuous social media post by Fey Ilyas of Current Media Group (CMB) alleged that the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry had appropriated his firm’s work without credit or compensation.
The post carried a blunt headline: “The Malaysia Pavilion for Expo 2025 Osaka is built on stolen creative work.” Subheading: “Our proposal was appropriated by MITI without acknowledgement or compensation.”
CMB claimed it had spent two years developing the concept, theme, narrative, and architectural direction - only to see its work “taken” by the ministry.
“We chose to speak up. Because dignity is worth more than access. And because staying quiet only protects the people who keep doing this to others,” CMB’s Fey Ilyas wrote.
Ministry’s foot-dragging response
It was a damning indictment of the ministry, its officers and the system within. The ministry initially issued a statement promising a “thorough investigation” and reaffirming its commitment to integrity. Yet, weeks passed with no progress.
Published: Dec 12, 2025 8:00 AM
Updated: 5:20 PM
COMMENT | After eight months of endless chatter, lawyerly posturing, and even a cameo in Parliament, Malaysia’s Expo 2025 pavilion saga has been “settled” - though only in the kind of paperwork haze where problems go to chill but never really die.
On April 26, a seemingly innocuous social media post by Fey Ilyas of Current Media Group (CMB) alleged that the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry had appropriated his firm’s work without credit or compensation.
The post carried a blunt headline: “The Malaysia Pavilion for Expo 2025 Osaka is built on stolen creative work.” Subheading: “Our proposal was appropriated by MITI without acknowledgement or compensation.”
CMB claimed it had spent two years developing the concept, theme, narrative, and architectural direction - only to see its work “taken” by the ministry.
“We chose to speak up. Because dignity is worth more than access. And because staying quiet only protects the people who keep doing this to others,” CMB’s Fey Ilyas wrote.
Ministry’s foot-dragging response
It was a damning indictment of the ministry, its officers and the system within. The ministry initially issued a statement promising a “thorough investigation” and reaffirming its commitment to integrity. Yet, weeks passed with no progress.
I asked then: “How long and how difficult is it to establish the identity of the firm that submitted the ‘successful’ design?”
Eight weeks later, still no answers. I pressed again: “How much time and manpower are needed to reopen the Osaka file? It should contain submissions, designs, invoices, and payment vouchers.”
Instead, silence. It amounted to a case of lembu punya susu, sapi dapat nama (a person getting credit for someone else’s work), I noted.
On Aug 1, Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng raised the issue in Parliament.
In a written reply, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz said his ministry was in “active discussions” with the company alleging plagiarism. He stressed that procurement processes had followed established procedures.
Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz
Last week, the matter was “settled” with Ilyas signing a non-disclosure agreement. His creative contributions were formally acknowledged.
Covering up shenanigans
But let’s be clear: this is not closure. It is containment.
If the Madani government truly champions transparency, then several questions remain: How did that “successful” company get hold of CMB’s designs, which were submitted to the ministry?
Was the ministry aware that CMB’s design was being used by a third party to complete the pavilion project?
Who in the ministry commissioned the design, who authorised and subsequently accepted and approved the final designs?
Has the ministry taken action against anyone for breach of the Copyright Act, or has it accepted that it failed in its responsibility?
What sanctions, if any, have been imposed on those who used Ilyas’ designs without authorisation?
How does the ministry intend to reassure Malaysia’s creative industry that their work will be respected and compensated?
Last week, the matter was “settled” with Ilyas signing a non-disclosure agreement. His creative contributions were formally acknowledged.
Covering up shenanigans
But let’s be clear: this is not closure. It is containment.
If the Madani government truly champions transparency, then several questions remain: How did that “successful” company get hold of CMB’s designs, which were submitted to the ministry?
Was the ministry aware that CMB’s design was being used by a third party to complete the pavilion project?
Who in the ministry commissioned the design, who authorised and subsequently accepted and approved the final designs?
Has the ministry taken action against anyone for breach of the Copyright Act, or has it accepted that it failed in its responsibility?
What sanctions, if any, have been imposed on those who used Ilyas’ designs without authorisation?
How does the ministry intend to reassure Malaysia’s creative industry that their work will be respected and compensated?
When Malaysiakini first broke the story in May, I wrote: “In the bad old days, it was said that no good proposals should be submitted to a particular government agency.
“It was claimed that such proposals were copied and passed on to third parties, typically cronies close to the decision-makers.
“Hardly anything in the proposals has changed, except for the cover letter, which indicates that it is submitted as a fresh proposal from a different party.
“Despite being disappointed that their proposals had been ‘stolen’ and being used to rake in millions, most parties did not seek redemption or remedies for fear of being blacklisted by the agency.”
Has the ministry resurrected this practice, and has it returned to haunt Malaysians again?
The Osaka pavilion dispute may have been “resolved amicably”, but the larger issue remains unresolved: the protection of Malaysia’s creative industry from exploitation.
Until these questions are answered, the Madani government’s promise of integrity and transparency rings hollow.
R NADESWARAN is a veteran journalist who tries to live up to the ethos of civil rights leader John Lewis: “When you see something that is not right, not fair, not just, you have to speak up. You have to say something; you have to do something.” Comments: citizen.nades22@gmail.com
***
Shameless, thick-skin, brazen & sleazy
Loke says PM didn't reject UEC bid, Umno Youth throws court dare
Loke says PM didn't reject UEC bid, Umno Youth throws court dare
Published: Dec 13, 2025 4:01 PM
Updated: Dec 14, 2025 11:21 AM
DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke clarified that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has not rejected the proposal to recognise the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC).
He noted that media reports suggesting otherwise were inconsistent with the preliminary progress being made through internal channels.
Loke said that DAP will continue to push for UEC recognition via internal government channels.
Based on a video recording obtained by Malaysiakini of Loke’s remarks, the DAP leader stated that certain media had reported that Anwar rejected UEC recognition, which led to misunderstanding.
“Some (reports) had headlines saying he rejected or opposed the UEC, (but) based on our understanding and discussions with the prime minister, such reports were inaccurate,” he said.
According to Loke, the prime minister’s intended message was that any recognition of the UEC must comply with the constitution while also strengthening proficiency in the Malay language.
He said that based on the preliminary internal consensus reached between DAP and Anwar, strengthening the language proficiency of citizens is a major prerequisite that must be addressed concurrently.
“That’s why I mentioned before that Anwar has agreed to announce a new language policy in the near term to strengthen our (citizens’) mastery of the national language, English, Chinese, and also Tamil. So, this is a new policy being introduced to address multi-language proficiency,” he added.
‘UEC meets preconditions’
Loke also believes that the two preconditions mentioned by Anwar do not contradict the recognition of the UEC.
He pointed out that the UEC does not violate the Federal Constitution because if it were unconstitutional, Chinese Independent High Schools would not have existed for the past few decades.
“In fact, these schools have existed in Malaysia for decades. Over the past decades, students have also obtained their diplomas via the UEC. Therefore, the UEC fundamentally does not violate the constitution,” he added.
Secondly, Loke pointed out that the UEC includes the national language subject, so the current discussion is only about how to further strengthen UEC candidates’ mastery of Bahasa Malaysia.
“So, someone proposed the condition that to recognise the UEC, (candidates) must also achieve a credit in the SPM Malay language subject.
“Dong Zong (United Chinese School Committees’ Association) has essentially agreed to this condition, as many Chinese independent high school students now sit for the SPM concurrently,” he added.
READ MORE: KINIGUIDE | UEC: Are the criticisms justified?
Furthermore, Loke said that many, including those from other ethnic groups, do not understand the definition of “recognising the UEC”.
“Recognising the UEC does not mean turning the Chinese independent high schools into government schools. The most important definition of recognising the UEC is that the UEC diploma can be accepted as a qualification for admission to national universities.
“This point is similar to other international qualifications, such as the A Levels, or diplomas from certain other countries, which can all be accepted for admission to our national universities.
“Therefore, I believe that the UEC issue must be clearly discussed within the government or the cabinet before there can be a clear direction and a final decision,” he added, noting that stirring up the issue in the media will not solve the matter.
‘Let court be final arbiter’
Meanwhile, Johor Umno Youth has challenged DAP to take the matter to court to determine if the UEC is in line with the constitution.
The wing’s chief, Noor Azleen Ambros, said Johor Umno regretted that DAP continues to use the issue of national unity and education as a “tool for narrow and seasonal political games”.
To put an end to the protracted debate over the matter, he said DAP should turn to the courts for a final verdict.
Noor Azleen Ambros
“Should the court decide that the UEC is in line with the constitution and fulfils the national aspirations and policies in the field of education, there would be no further reason for the government to delay the recognition of the UEC.
“The decision will put an end to all controversies surrounding the UEC, allowing the government and all parties to fully focus on more urgent issues in strengthening and improving the nation’s education system,” he added.
Previously, national Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh firmly opposed recognition of the UEC, warning that there would be no compromise on the issue.
Yesterday, Anwar, when commenting on the debate, emphasised that any language demands from a single ethnic group must first respect the constitutional status of Malay as the national language.
He further stated that, after honouring and mastering the Malay language, “we can then discuss other matters.”
In 2018, after Harapan defeated BN in the 14th general election, Anwar had said that recognising the UEC would not undermine the national language.
“We cannot neglect the position of Bahasa Malaysia in the education system and the mastery of it in any system. In my conversations with Chinese education figures, they assured me that this was not a problem for them,” he added.
“Should the court decide that the UEC is in line with the constitution and fulfils the national aspirations and policies in the field of education, there would be no further reason for the government to delay the recognition of the UEC.
“The decision will put an end to all controversies surrounding the UEC, allowing the government and all parties to fully focus on more urgent issues in strengthening and improving the nation’s education system,” he added.
Previously, national Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh firmly opposed recognition of the UEC, warning that there would be no compromise on the issue.
Yesterday, Anwar, when commenting on the debate, emphasised that any language demands from a single ethnic group must first respect the constitutional status of Malay as the national language.
He further stated that, after honouring and mastering the Malay language, “we can then discuss other matters.”
In 2018, after Harapan defeated BN in the 14th general election, Anwar had said that recognising the UEC would not undermine the national language.
“We cannot neglect the position of Bahasa Malaysia in the education system and the mastery of it in any system. In my conversations with Chinese education figures, they assured me that this was not a problem for them,” he added.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)