Clarity of human rights resides in broader engagement

 

THE Association for Welfare, Community and Dialogue (ACID) is a quite puzzled about the polemics of DAP, MCA and Perikatan Nasional (PN) on the visit by officials from the Taliban Government.

This comes after DAP chairman Lim Guan Eng, chairman called on Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek to explain the visit, raising concerns over the lack of public disclosure and the implications for human rights.

MCA’s polemics was about how Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh could be in the dark about his ministry hosting officials from Afghanistan’s Taliban-run government.

Meanwhile, PN had reasoned that the visit represents a strategic opportunity for Malaysia to play a meaningful role in guiding Afghanistan towards positive change, particularly in terms of education and women’s rights.

While both sides of the political divide had raised critical points of human rights, transparency and diplomacy, the reality is they seem to be proclaiming half-truths on these issues that suit a particular constituency rather than addressing concerns in a holistic manner.

Today in our national and global context the slogan of human rights and democracy is used in a selective manner that is in line with the domestic and strategic interest of governments around the world rather than addressing real violations that have a complex dimension.

For example, while Israel is criticised by Malaysia for its genocide against the Palestinians in Gaza, Malaysian government leaders and the DAP in particular have been circumspect in criticising the United States who is the ironclad protector of Israel.

Is this not about strategic and diplomatic interest that tends to pick and choose who to criticise?

The oppression of the Rohingyas from Myanmar has squarely been blamed on the Junta but yet there is no criticism of China and India who support the regime diplomatically and economically.

Is this not due economic interest that seems to transcend the concern for human rights?

What is clearly understood here is that the hypocrisy of the governing and opposition elites in Malaysia whose pursuit of human rights is half-baked and this works well for sectarian politics because it indulges in half-truths.

Due to the complexity of reasons for human rights abuses around the world, it is always vital to engage with all so that various dimensions of the given context of human rights abuses can be explored and fundamental violations can be addressed through the principles of common humanity.

This means even engaging oppressive regimes since the common people in these regimes require their voices to be heard.

Issues from women rights to education, children’s rights, war, terrorism, imperial subjugation of nations and authoritarian rule should be addressed without the pick-and-choose mentality.

There should not be a condescending attitude; all parties should listen to the complex reality of a nation who is undergoing various manipulations by vested interests.

Therefore, the Malaysian government’s engagement with the Taliban officials should transcend sectarian interest of ethno-religious politics by addressing complex dimensions of oppression in the country.

It is not just about women’s right to education but also a nation that has been under foreign occupation and senseless war.

The common people of Afghanistan who have suffered from war and destruction deserve a fair and just hearing to their predicament that goes beyond the so-called interest of Taliban officials.

Ronald Benjamin is a human resources practitioner based in Ipoh. He is currently secretary of the Association for Community and Dialogue.

The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of  MMKtT.

- Focus Malaysia.