DAP chairman Lim Guan Eng hopes the Education Ministry has succeeded in convincing the Taliban-managed Afghanistan government to lift any restrictions imposed on the education of women in their country.
"I sincerely hope the intention of the Education Minister (Fadhlina Sidek) and other parties in the national unity government who want to use the interactive platform and direct engagement with the Taliban succeed."
Lim said that he hopes such efforts by the Malaysian side can convince the Taliban to halt the discrimination against women in their country.
"If their efforts fall on deaf ears, the ministry should no longer entertain the Afghanistan Education Ministry," said Lim in a statement.
The reality out there is the Afghanistan government under Taliban control, is the only nation in the world which restricts female students from studying in secondary school and university-level.
"Another reality is that Malaysia does not have diplomatic ties with the Taliban."
Lim hopes his statement can clarify the misinterpretation by certain media organisations concerning his opposition to the visit of the Taliban delegation.
"The media should not bring about sentiments and polemics to the issue. They should report fairly by basing it on my opposition based on the stark reality that teenage women rights in Afghanistan have been denied."
Lim said that all he is asking is to report fairly and to be mindful of the realities.
The restriction by the Taliban on women has been condemned by the United Nations, which described such actions as "gender apartheid."
"It is a cruel act on women. I see the Opposition Perikatan Nasional is also quiet on this matter."
For him, all women have the right to be given access to education without any barriers imposed, so they can reach their potential in life.
"So, the entire world, including Malaysia must defend and stand alongside the Afghan women, who have rejected the Taliban's discriminatory policies on them."
Lim was slammed by several PN leaders, who criticised him for questioning the ministry’s decision to host officials from the Afghanistan government earlier this month.
PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man accused Lim of tarnishing the country’s image with his remarks.
Tuan Ibrahim said that the government’s initiative in sharing insights with the Afghan delegation was akin to assisting newly independent nations by sharing expertise. - November 24, 2024.
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