KUALA LUMPUR – Wisma Putra will continue to monitor political developments in Afghanistan following the sudden takeover of the government by the Taliban before Malaysia is set to take its position in relation to the country.
Foreign Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah (Bersatu-PN) said at present, no foreign country has recognised the Taliban interim government in Afghanistan, including its neighbours.
“As the Dewan Rakyat is aware, the Taliban have taken control of Afghanistan after taking over Kabul on August 15.
“They (the Taliban) have already established a temporary government on September 7.
“Like Malaysia, these (neighbouring) countries are also assessing the developments in Afghanistan,” he said during the question-and-answer session at the Dewan Rakyat this morning.
On August 29, the Vibes reported that the Taliban has welcomed the Malaysian Islamic Party’s (PAS) congratulatory gesture and its coming to the defence of the Islamist organisation, which recently reassumed power over Afghanistan.
Taliban spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi said the movement’s leadership also called on the Malaysian government to strengthen “fraternal bonds” by helping Afghanistan under its new rule to rise after years of conflict.
In responding to a question by Datuk Mohd Hatta Md Ramli (Lumut-PH) on whether the government will recognise the new Taliban-led Afghanistan government, Saifuddin said there are several considerations and factors to be considered.
“Firstly – the level of acceptance of the Afghan people themselves towards the domination and establishment of the government by the Taliban in the country.
“This is closely related to the issue of legitimacy. The Dewan Rakyat is well aware of how the Taliban took control of Afghanistan following the withdrawal of the United States and international troops from the country in August.
“We find that the interim government formed by the Taliban is still not inclusive by not including the participation of other ethnic groups, as well as the participation of female representatives in government,” he said.
Malaysia, he said, believes that aspects of inclusivity are very important for the purpose of achieving lasting peace and stability so that every layer of Afghan society can enjoy peace, stability, progress and prosperity.
“I would like to highlight the role of women in administration based on importance not only in terms of care and promotion of the rights of women and girls, but also in terms of their role and contribution to a society and country.
“Malaysia has previously stated that the Afghan peace process should be centred on its own stakeholders and people, that is, based on an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled peace and reconciliation process.
“There is the need for and importance of resolving Afghanistan’s internal conflict by means of inclusive consultation and consensus involving the various ethnic groups in Afghanistan with the goal of establishing a comprehensive Afghan government,” he said.
As an Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member state, Saifuddin pointed out that Malaysia also focuses on the joint stance on developments in Afghanistan.
During the OIC executive committee emergency meeting on August 22 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, which was also attended by Malaysia, the OIC set its stance as follows:
– Strengthening the OIC’s commitment and support to Afghanistan as expressed in the resolution adopted at the OIC Summit and OIC Foreign Ministers Meeting;
– Highlighting the expectations of the international community from the new leadership in Afghanistan to promote national peace and adhere to international law and resolutions as well as the United Nations (UN) Charter, and;
– Outlining the importance of protecting and respecting the right to life, security and dignity of the Afghan people in complying with the Universal Declaration on Human Rights.
The country, he said, will continue to rely on international platforms such as the UN and OIC to voice its stand and opinion on Afghanistan’s future.
In light of the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, Saifuddin announced the government will be handing out US$100,000 (RM418,861) to the country.
“The matter was informed to the UN during its high-level meeting chaired by its secretary-general regarding the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan on September 13.
“The contribution will be channelled via international organisations to ensure the aid reaches the Afghan people,” he added. – The Vibes, September 21, 2021
