Fix your own problems, netizens tell minister after Taliban comment

Social media users have criticised Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek for urging the Taliban in Afghanistan for reopening higher education to women, saying the PKR women's chief should be rational in her response to the issue. 

They also reminded Fadhlina not to forget the weaknesses in Malaysia's own education system. 

The Taliban banned women from universities earlier this week in a move that drew global outrage, including from Muslim nations.

Fadhlina had said that the move would only widen the gap in competitiveness and affect economic and social status. 

However, social media users said she should concentrate on education-related problems in her own country before looking to others. 

"No need to meddle in other countries," Facebook user Ghazali Mukhtar said in the comment section of a news portal's account.   

"Fix the problems in our country. It looks like you don't have any concrete ideas." 

"What a long hop to talking about the Taliban," Facebook user Mohd Fauzi Mohd Shariff added. 

Yuzaidi Yussof meanwhile said that Fadhlina had her work cut out for her in her own ministry. 

"Please prove your mettle," he said. "Don't hide behind the achievements of your late father." 

Fadhlina is the daughter of Siddiq Fadzil, the former leader of Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia.

Others on social media asked Fadlina to focus her attention on the education of women in Malaysia. 

"Why talk about the Taliban? Do you know how many girls in Malaysia are unable to further their education because it costs too much? And many others are illiterate," said Danny Iskandar. 

Ismail Mohd meanwhile questioned the point of Fadhlina's statement, asking if it would be read by the Taliban leaders in Afghanistan. 

"Do the Taliban read the news?" he said. 

"Hope the Taliban listen and follow what she says," Ramzuk Hanif added.