Anwar Open To Cooperate With Afghanistan As Long As Taliban Doesn't Deny Women Education
The Taliban government has not yet been recognised by any country.
By Sadho Ram — 23 Mar 2023, 03:55 PM
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed Malaysia's willingness to cooperate and improve bilateral ties with Afghanistan
According to Anwar, Malaysia's position has been conveyed to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which is ready to assist in Malaysia's relationship with the Afghan government, reported Bernama.
Afghanistan is under Taliban control after the terrorist organisation recaptured the country in August 2021. The Taliban government has not yet been recognised by any country. It has been criticised for restricting human rights in the country, including the right of women and girls to work and to have an education.
The United Nations has described Afghanistan as the most repressive country in the world.
Anwar said that Malaysia stands firm that women have a right to education and should not be denied.
Anwar, who performed umrah in Mecca during his official visit to Saudi Arabia yesterday, 22 March, received a courtesy call from OIC secretary-general Hussein Brahim Taha and the OIC delegation
Both Malaysia and Afghanistan have been member states of the OIC since 1969.
In a statement last night, Anwar emphasised that Malaysia will also play a role as an active member of the OIC in dealing with issues faced by Muslims around the world.
According to Anwar, while Malaysia is willing to cooperate with Afghanistan, the issue is the Taliban's attitude towards education for women.
"Whether they want to build a university specifically for women or a special women's school, it's their choice, but they cannot deny women's right to education," he said.
Anwar with OIC secretary-general Hissein Brahim Taha and the OIC delegation.
Image via Anwar Ibrahim (Facebook)