Dong Zong: More than 96pct of UEC students passed SPM-level BM

Dong Zong: More than 96pct of UEC students passed SPM-level BM


Published: Dec 15, 2025 8:00 PM
Updated: 11:00 PM



Bahasa Malaysia is already a key component of the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) syllabus, and almost all students are passing SPM-level exams, Dong Zong pointed out.

This is amid pushback against UEC recognition by the government, with critics claiming there is a need to protect the national language.

In a statement on Saturday, Dong Zong said Bahasa Malaysia is a compulsory subject for the UEC curriculum, and that the association agrees with the government that students need to get a credit on the SPM BM paper.

"In fact, in recent years, the passing rate for Chinese independent school students in the Malay SPM subject has exceeded 96 percent," the association said.

It said the passing rates over the last three years were 97.38 percent in 2022; 97.11 percent (2023), and 96.65 percent (2024).

Dong Zong said it has also established a joint working group with the Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia (Ikram) dedicated to improving the Malay language proficiency of Chinese independent school students and graduates.

It said the collaboration aims to build stronger communication skills and competitiveness in society and the workplace.

However, just passing the Malay exam may not be enough for some critics.

UEC debate

Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan and Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh previously said the UEC recognition can only be granted when Bahasa Malaysia becomes the main medium of instruction.

The UEC debate reignited after DAP revealed it was pushing to get the certificate finally recognised, as part of its reforms agenda following a wipeout in the Sabah election.

DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke has framed the UEC recognition as being part of a policy that would also strengthen the Malay language.

DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke


Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he was also not opposed to UEC recognition as long as the priority is to master Bahasa Malaysia.

UEC recognition has been a pivotal part of Pakatan Harapan’s pledge to the public, as it was part of their 2018 and 2022 general election campaign promises.