KUALA LUMPUR, Dec. 13 -- Education group Dong Zong has called for greater openness and mutual respect in the debate over recognition of the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC), warning that framing language policy and education recognition as zero-sum issues risks deepening divisions and undermining national cohesion.

In a statement today, Dong Zong said discussions over the UEC should focus on strengthening Malaysia's education system rather than pitting the status of Bahasa Melayu against the recognition of alternative qualifications.

"The debate should be approached with openness and mutual respect," it said, adding that recognition of the UEC "does not come at the expense of the National Language or the Federal Constitution".

Don...