The Taliban interim government in Afghanistan must show its seriousness in developing education in the country and provide equal access to education for female students, said Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah.
Saifuddin (above) told a press conference at Parliament today that there is a concern in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) of the Taliban's commitment towards allowing women to attend school and universities.
Recent media reports suggested that the regime is changing its stance towards women getting an education.
"We are monitoring several updates in Afghanistan with some concerns. Initially, we were excited upon hearing the announcement by Kabul that they were reopening schools and encouraged students, including females, to participate.
"However, in the past few days, we learned that there was an announcement which seemed to be against female students attending school and universities. We are getting further details on this.
"The issue of equal opportunity to education is within the parameters of the OIC, where we have stated that Kabul must be serious in terms of developing education in Afghanistan and giving fair treatment to female students," he said.
‘Frozen money belongs to Afghans’
Saifuddin was responding to a question regarding Malaysia and the OIC's stance on sanctions imposed against Afghanistan after the Taliban took over its administration in August last year.
Asked about the US government's decision to release US$7 billion (RM29 billion) of Afghan funds held in US banks, of which half would be directed to the families of September 11 tragedy victims, the minister reiterated the OIC's stand against the move.
"All Afghan money frozen by the US and elsewhere should be given back to Afghanistan.
"This money does not belong to the Taliban. They belong to the people of Afghanistan," he added.
Saifuddin said that the OIC's commitment towards the plight of Afghanistan remains the same, and his deputy Kamarudin Jaffar, who is attending the organisation's Council of Foreign Ministers, has informed the OIC of Malaysia's readiness to aid the country, especially in terms of humanitarian assistance.
He added that Kamarudin has also informed the OIC that Global Peace Malaysia has opened an office in Kabul.
"We also have several companies and NGOs that are ready to help," he said. - Mkini
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