KUALA LUMPUR: The Education Ministry has responded to concerns raised by Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng regarding the recent visit of an Afghanistan Education Ministry delegation to Malaysia. The visit, which drew media attention, was organized under the guidance and advice of the Foreign Ministry, according to a statement from the MoE.
The ministry clarified that the visit was supported by security screenings and continuous monitoring from various relevant ministries and agencies to ensure its smooth execution.
“This visit aligns with Malaysia’s foreign policy direction towards Afghanistan, demonstrating the Malaysian government’s readiness to assist in capacity development, particularly in health and humanitarian efforts that contribute to the social progress of Afghanistan,” the statement read.
During the visit, the MoE presented a comprehensive overview of Malaysia’s national education system, including its approach to education for girls and women. The presentation highlighted the inclusivity of Malaysia’s education system, emphasizing efforts to enhance access and equity across socioeconomic status, gender, ethnicity, and geography. This aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education, which aims to eliminate gender disparities and promote equal and inclusive access to education at all levels.
The visit also provided the Afghanistan delegation an opportunity to observe and understand best education practices in a modern, internationally respected Islamic country. The delegation expressed interest in adopting Malaysia as a reference for developing their educational policies, particularly in areas such as curriculum development, teacher training, and educational technology.
The MoE reiterated that its efforts align with Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s statement last year, where he expressed Malaysia’s readiness to strengthen cooperation with Afghanistan. The ministry reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to supporting education rights, emphasizing that access to education for women and girls cannot be denied.
“Malaysia is fully committed to upholding education rights and ensuring inclusive education access for all, including girls and women,” the statement concluded.
