LDP calls for 20% quota for Chinese in civil service, UMS
KOTA KINABALU (July 2): Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) President Datuk Chin Su Phin calls on the GRS-led Sabah Government to implement a 20% quota for Chinese Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) students to enter the civil service and Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS).
He said this proposal reflects the Liberal Democratic Party's strong commitment to fairness, inclusivity, and ensuring that students from Chinese independent schools who take the UEC are given equal and meaningful opportunities to serve and succeed in their own State.
'The recognition of the UEC by the Sabah Government is a commendable and progressive move in acknowledging the value of Chinese education. 'However, recognition alone is not sufficient. Without a structured and transparent quota system, Chinese UEC students will continue to face significant barriers when it comes to entering the civil service or pursuing higher education at public universities such as UMS,' he said in a statement on Wednesday.
Chin added many Chinese UEC students are academically qualified and capable of contributing meaningfully to the public sector and society, yet their access remains extremely limited.
'Implementing a 20% quota is a necessary step to correct this imbalance and to provide fair access and participation. This is not about granting privilege, it is about addressing underrepresentation through a fair and inclusive policy that reflects Sabah's multiracial identity,' he said.
Chin said such inclusivity will help build a stronger sense of belonging and foster unity across communities. 'Additionally, the lack of clear pathways has driven many UEC students to pursue further education or employment outside Sabah or even Malaysia. By creating more opportunities for them here, we can retain our home-grown talent and strengthen our State's future capacity,' he said.
Chin urged the Sabah Government to show leadership by going beyond symbolic recognition and enacting real policies that create access.
'A quota system for Chinese UEC students is a fair and practical step forward to ensure that no capable Sabahan is left behind in building our shared future,' he said.
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