KUALA LUMPUR – The criticism levelled against Special Envoy of the Prime Minister to the Middle East Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang by Amanah deputy president Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub is “shallow and superficial”, said Sik MP Ahmad Tarmizi Sulaiman.
Harakah Daily reported Tarmizi as saying that Salahuddin is being “weird” and has allowed his perception of Muslim interests to be influenced by DAP sentiments.
He added that Salahuddin, a former PAS leader who had left the party in 2015, has bought into Western narratives that appear to be uneasy with Afghanistan’s recovery.
This follows Salahuddin’s questioning of the recent meeting between Hadi and representatives of the Taliban, particularly Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan spokesman Suhail Shaheen.
The meeting, which was held during Hadi’s work trip to Doha, focused on expressing the nation’s readiness to work together with Qatar to rebuild Afghanistan.
Harakah Daily further reported that the Pulai MP alleged that the PAS president is overstepping the cabinet or prime minister by acknowledging the Taliban leadership in Afghanistan – a move he branded a hasty decision and one out of Hadi’s jurisdiction.
Salahuddin also had supposedly questioned whether the upcoming 15th general election plays a part in the Marang MP’s seeming apathy towards the suffering and deaths taking place in Yemen.
Analyse Afghanistan crisis before making ‘embarrassing’ statements: Tarmizi
In defence of Hadi, Tarmizi claimed that the Amanah man cannot comprehend the true intentions behind the meeting.
“The meeting (in Qatar) was evidently a step forward in carrying out our responsibilities towards universal security, especially in post-conflict nations that are still facing humanitarian issues.
“This is a matter that should be receiving global attention. The decision made by Hadi is very smart, as we can obtain clear and concrete information from the Afghanistan government themselves regarding incidents in their country,” Harakah Daily quoted Tarmizi as saying.
He added that Salahuddin seemingly cannot comprehend the situation in Afghanistan after the departure of United States army forces.
“He (Salahuddin) should be understanding of Muslims regardless of country borders and be ever ready to help others.
“Although there might be differences in political views, humanitarian issues should not be affected.
“His statement is reckless and embarrassing for the nation. It is as if he does not like Malaysia aiding the well-being of Afghanistan citizens,” he said.
Tarmizi added his recommendations for Salahuddin is for the latter to analyse more deeply the causes of conflicts and their ensuing effects to world peace before labelling other people “hasty”. – The Vibes, January 7, 2022