Malaysia has yet to make a decision on whether to recognise the Taliban as the legitimate government of Afghanistan, Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah said.
He said Putrajaya will take a very cautious approach in arriving at a decision.
"We are following closely events that are occurring in Kabul, in particular, and the whole of Afghanistan (in general). We are taking a very cautious approach and we will be looking at the situation very closely from all angles," he told a press conference at Wisma Putra today.
"For the time being, we are still observing the situation before we take an official stand because we have been receiving daily various information from various quarters, so we are taking an unhurried approach," he said.
The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan headed by democratically elected leader President Ashraf Ghani fell to force and violence by the Taliban on Aug 15.
This came in the wake of US President Joe Biden withdrawing troops from Afghanistan, 20 years after it invaded the country to remove the Taliban from power.
Some quarters in Malaysia, including PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang, defended the Taliban, saying the organisation which has taken over Afghanistan has changed for the better.
Hadi’s son, Muhammad Khalil Abdul Hadi, also congratulated the Taliban for “liberating” Afghanistan.
When asked if Malaysia believed that the Taliban has changed, Saifuddin said that Wisma Putra would not judge another country.
"From the (aspect of) foreign policy, we don't judge another country's government," he said.
Waiting report on two M'sians captured by Taliban
Meanwhile, Saifuddin also noted that the police were attempting to confirm news reports on two Malaysians being detained by the Taliban.
"I spoke with Inspector-General of Police Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani this morning on the two individuals, who are said to be Malaysians arrested in Afghanistan. The police are still waiting for a legitimate report on the matter.
"However, there are two other Malaysians voluntarily staying in Afghanistan because of their involvement with two humanitarian organisations," he said.
The UK's The Times quoted Taliban CID chief Maulawi Saifullah Mohammed as saying that two of six Islamic State Khorasan Province (IS-K) attackers being captured by the Taliban are Malaysians.
On Aug 28, Acryl Sani said cops as of yet have no information of Malaysians being part of IS activities in Afghanistan.
"Investigations are also underway on the possibility that the report involves Malaysian IS fighters who are already abroad," said the top cop.
Saifuddin who returned to Wisma Putra 17 months after helming the communications and multimedia ministry, said his immediate task is to establish the foreign policy framework for this administration.
"This framework will provide guidance on Malaysia’s direction, focus and approaches on foreign policy. It is not a new foreign policy. Malaysia will continue to practice its long-held fundamental principles in its international relations.
"To manage the pandemic and its impacts, we will focus primarily on 'health diplomacy'. For the economy, we will emphasise investments in the digital economy and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2030. Cybersecurity will be a security focal point. We will also promote 'cultural diplomacy' to boost our national identity," he added.
"We will adopt an open and consultative (syura) approach with all stakeholders, be it at home or overseas. This includes enhancing the role of the business sector and civil society.
"To this end, I will establish a Foreign Policy Consultative Council, which will include ministry officials, academicians, businesspersons and civil society representatives. In addition, I will propose to the cabinet to establish a Parliamentary Select Committee on International Affairs," he said. - Mkini
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