KUALA LUMPUR – The Education Ministry (MoE) has defended its decision to host an Afghan delegation, emphasising that the visit aimed to showcase Malaysia’s inclusive education system.
In a statement today, the MoE explained that the delegation, representing Afghanistan’s Taliban-led administration, sought to use Malaysia as a benchmark for curriculum development, teacher training, and educational technology.
The visit provided an opportunity for Afghanistan to understand the education system of a modern Islamic country, the ministry said.
Addressing security concerns, the MoE confirmed that the visit was conducted with guidance from Wisma Putra. Measures included security screenings and continuous monitoring throughout the programme.
“Through this visit, MoE conducted a presentation that provided a comprehensive overview of the national education system, including education for girls and women in Malaysia.
“This showcased an inclusive education system with a focus on increasing access and equity across socioeconomic status, gender, ethnicity, and geography,” the statement read.
The ministry also stressed that the visit aligns with Putrajaya’s foreign policy towards Afghanistan, which emphasises cooperation in areas such as health and humanitarian aid.
The MoE cited Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s earlier remarks, where he expressed the Madani administration’s willingness to enhance cooperation with Afghanistan.
“At the same time, the right to education cannot be denied.
“Malaysia remains committed to fully supporting women’s educational rights and access to education for girls,” the ministry added.
The Afghan delegation’s visit was reportedly part of the Taliban administration’s efforts to elevate their education system to international standards.
Irshadulhaq Sadiqi, the Afghan Education Ministry’s external relations chief, said Malaysia was chosen due to its consistent diplomatic ties with Afghanistan.
He also claimed that the Taliban government does not prohibit women from attending schools, highlighting that women are being trained as medical professionals in Afghanistan.
Last Saturday, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek confirmed that the Afghan officials had visited Malaysia earlier this month to observe and learn from the country’s education system.
However, the decision has drawn criticism from Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng, who questioned the rationale behind hosting representatives of a regime known for restricting girls from secondary and tertiary education. — November 21, 2024