Fadhlina defends hosting Afghan delegation, calls it chance to school Taliban

Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek had defended hosting a delegation from Afghanistan despite the country’s restrictions on women’s access to education.

She said she would seize every opportunity to open the eyes of its Taliban-led government on women’s right to education, even if the odds of them allowing women back to school are “slim as onion skin”.

“Malaysia could adopt the policy of ostracising Afghanistan for the Taliban’s stance on women’s educational rights. Whether it remains illegal, or schools are reopened for women, we may not be affected so far from Afghanistan.

“But if I could convince them that educating women is not contrary to Islam but is in line with Islamic values, then it would be very meaningful for women in Afghanistan when they can return to school.

“That is the cause I will continue to champion wherever I am, regardless of my position. I want the world to learn from Malaysia where we have much experience in championing education,” she said in a Facebook post today

Fadhlida confirmed on Saturday that she received a delegation led by Afghan Education Ministry director-general Shahabuddin Saqib earlier this month.

This led DAP chairperson Lim Guan Eng to question her yesterday for hosting the delegation since Malaysia does not have diplomatic ties with Afghanistan and given the country’s policy of barring women from studying in secondary schools and universities.

He claimed Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh, who is also from DAP, was unaware of the delegation’s visit, and asked whether Fadhlina had brought up Afganistan’s restrictions on women’s education during discussions.

Women’s education a priority

In her Facebook post today, Fadhlina said the issue of women’s access to education has always been a priority for her even before becoming a minister.

She wrote that she understands the anxiety of some segments of society on this issue.

“But rest assured with this woman education minister, we will fight regardless of race and religion. We will carry the mission of making the world a more inclusive and progressive place, whether at home or in any corner of the world.

“This cause is not just to trumpet our achievements or our principles but to ensure more people around the world can share progress and wellbeing because of the values we uphold and defend,” she said.

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