KUALA LUMPUR, May 15 — Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (ISMA) has voiced strong opposition to the Higher Education Ministry’s latest move to open pathways for Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) holders to enter public universities (IPTA).

In a statement, ISMA president Ustaz Shuhaib ar-Rummy Selamat said the issue of UEC recognition was closely linked to national education policy, national identity, racial unity and the position of Bahasa Malaysia as the national language.

ISMA said it viewed the ministry’s latest announcement as contradictory to its earlier stance that any recognition of UEC must be guided by the Federal Constitution, the National Education Philosophy and the status of the Malay language.

Although the ministry did not explicitly describe the move as “full recognition” of UEC, ISMA argued that allowing UEC graduates into selected programmes at public universities amounted to a gradual form of recognition that could strengthen an education system operating outside the National Education Policy framework.

The organisation also stressed that meritocracy and inclusive access to education should not be viewed solely from an academic perspective, arguing that education plays a critical role in nation-building, fostering unity and developing a shared national identity.

ISMA warned that the government’s decision could weaken efforts to preserve the foundations of Malaysia’s nation-building agenda.

“Education is the main defence of a nation. Through education, a country shapes national identity, a common language, historical understanding, patriotism and loyalty to the nation,” the statement said.

The group expressed concern that loosening these foundations could create greater divisions among future generations and reinforce existing educational dualism in the country.

Among ISMA’s key concerns were the weakening position of Bahasa Malaysia, widening racial polarisation, the strengthening of parallel education systems and threats to efforts to build a unified national narrative based on shared history.

The organisation cautioned that while such a move might provide short-term political advantages to certain parties, it could have long-term consequences for national unity and social cohesion.

ISMA also warned that countries with weak national identities often face social conflict, racial tensions and crises of loyalty to the nation.

The group urged the government to review the decision and continue strengthening the national education system as the foundation of unity and national identity in Malaysia.