State deputy minister: S'wak UEC students can get free tertiary education even without BM pass
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Sarawak Deputy Minister Annuar Rapaee has clarified that students holding the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) do not need a pass in Bahasa Malaysia to qualify for free tertiary education at state-owned universities. This policy aims to broaden access to higher education for UEC holders who meet other academic requirements.
Why it matters
This policy decision addresses long-standing debates regarding the recognition of private education credentials and language requirements in Malaysia's public education system.
News ✕ State deputy minister: S'wak UEC students can get free tertiary education even without BM pass Published: Oct 14, 2026 10:08 AM Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) students who fail Bahasa Malaysia are still eligible to enrol in Sarawak-owned universities and receive free tertiary education under the state’s Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES), provided they meet other entry requirements.
This is according to Sarawak Deputy Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Annuar Rapaee, who told the state legislative assembly yesterday that a pass in BM was not a prerequisite for admission to the state’s four universities or eligibility for the scheme, which covers 64 courses.
Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) students who fail Bahasa Malaysia are still eligible to enrol in Sarawak-owned universities and receive free tertiary education under the state’s Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES), provided they meet other entry requirements.
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