KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Islamic Party’s (PAS) open endorsement of the Taliban could reflect poorly on the Malaysian government the Islamist party is a component of, said several opposition MPs.
This, they said, is particularly due to the Taliban’s history of violence and oppression in Afghanistan.
This follows the congratulatory messages and recognition given by PAS leaders in recent days to the Deobandi Islamist group, which seized power of the war-torn country earlier this month.
Speaking to The Vibes, Amanah vice-president Datuk Mahfuz Omar said that as the Taliban is classified as a terrorist group by several international organisations, it will be good for the government to practice caution in its approach and actions involving the group.
He also cautioned that PAS’ continued endorsement could affect bilateral ties between Malaysia and other nations.
“We are extremely worried, especially since PAS is in the government. I think the government must tread carefully with this issue, as this is a dangerous matter. I’m not accusing PAS of being part of the Taliban, but the approach the party is taking is dangerous,” he said.
On August 25, PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang said that the new Taliban regime is a more mature and sympathetic movement compared with the one that ruled Afghanistan in the late 1990s.
His son, PAS’ international affairs and external relations committee chief Muhammad Khalil Abdul Hadi, had earlier conveyed his congratulations to the Islamist insurgents.
In an exclusive interview with The Vibes, Taliban spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi said he welcomed PAS’ gesture in congratulating and defending the group after the latter reassumed power over Afghanistan.
Mahfuz, who is the Pokok Sena MP, said despite the comments made by the Taliban, he was more surprised by the statements issued by PAS leaders defending a movement that made an armed coup and overthrew an elected government via undemocratic means, in the same way Pakatan Harapan was toppled last year.
“There appears to be some similarity between PAS and the Taliban in the way they robbed the people’s mandate. So that is concerning.”
Amanah communications director and Shah Alam MP Khalid Abdul Samad said PAS’ congratulatory message should have been accompanied by a reminder to the Taliban to keep true to its promises of ensuring reforms.
“PAS congratulated them without even knowing if the Islam that the Taliban wants to bring and practise is the correct picture of Islamic tolerance and teaching. We would like to remind PAS not to just look at the form, but to also consider the contents.”
Khalid said while he did not agree with the previous foreign control and colonisation of Afghanistan by the United States, it is his hope that the locals there can move to a more democratic and open society, something the Taliban has promised to give.
“That is something I hope is true. We will reserve our congratulatory statement until we see them heading in that direction,” he said.
PKR’s Subang MP Wong Chen said that given that PAS is part of the ruling coalition, the position it has taken reflects very badly on the government.
In particular, he said, it would have a negative impact on the country’s international standing and its status as an important trading nation.
“The Taliban has to prove to the world that they are committed to democratic reforms and actually implement them especially on issues of gender, human rights, and democracy.
“Until they have done so, it is wrong for Malaysia or any political parties to congratulate them, or to recognise the Taliban,” he said.
Meanwhile, DAP’s Klang MP Charles Santiago also expressed his grave concern over PAS’ open support for the Taliban, especially since the positions of religious affairs minister and deputy minister are now held by members of the party.
“Would this mean that Malaysia will have a very friendly relationship with the Taliban, and does this mean they will embrace and practise some of the Taliban’s questionable principles and policies here?
“Also, we have to ask the prime minister (Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob) about his stand on the matter. It’s good to hear what he has to say.
“One has to wonder, with his inexperience in foreign affairs and being perceived as a weak leader, will he be beholden to PAS in order to get their support? Will he concede to PAS on the issue of the Taliban?” – The Vibes, August 30, 2021
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