PAS Youth chief Khairil Nizam Khirudin has proposed that Malaysia establish diplomatic relations with Afghanistan's Taliban government.
Speaking during the party wing’s assembly this morning, he drew comparisons between how Muslims remain “in turmoil” over the issue while “communist China” had already reached out to the Taliban.
China had also provided “billions” in Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) funding to the Taliban, the senator and Perikatan Nasional youth chief pointed out.
“What is Malaysia’s foreign policy towards Afghanistan under the new Taliban rule?
“PAS Youth proposes that the Malaysian government establish and strengthen bilateral relations with the Taliban government,” Khairil said during his speech that was broadcast on Facebook.
Wisma Putra has yet to formally recognise the Taliban government.
Elaborating, Khairil proposed that Malaysia’s actions could engender “international acceptance” of the Taliban government.
“This is based on Malaysia’s track record of having high-level diplomatic skills which I believe will be able to accommodate the international community’s acceptance towards Afghanistan through (a government) that practices inclusive governance and Islamic inclusivity.
“Ongoing conflict will not benefit anyone except a handful of military-industrial complex (actors) who thirst for blood for themselves.
“If communist China can reach out to Afghanistan under Taliban rule, why can’t Malaysia sebagai saudara se-Islam (as a Muslim relative)?” he posed.
Meanwhile, Khairil characterised the Aug 15 Taliban takeover of Afghanistan as a people-backed victory by the militant group over American imperialists.
“After 20 years of being gripped under imperialist America, the (Afghan) people gave their support to the Taliban.
“The people were fed up with the corruption and the (former Afghan) government’s failure to implement Syariah law,” he claimed.
This is not the first time a PAS national leader has voiced support for the Taliban.
Back in August, the party’s international affairs and external relations chief Mohd Khalil Abdul Hadi congratulated the Taliban on the takeover.
Shortly after publishing his statement on Facebook, the post was removed for breaching community standards. He was also temporarily banned from the social networking platform.
Mohd Khalil later deleted his Twitter post of the same statement.
The Taliban returned to power in Kabul after a military advance across Afghanistan as US-led forces departed and foreign nations stepped up efforts to evacuate their citizens from the capital.
The Taliban’s return sparked international outcry as it previously imposed harsh Islamic laws like whipping, hanging, and restricting women from many aspects of public life.
This time around, the group sought to project a more moderate face, promising to respect women’s rights and to protect both foreigners and Afghans.
A month after coming into power, the Taliban reportedly planned to restore executions and amputations as forms of punishment.
In one incident, it reportedly hung up corpses of kidnappers for public display as a deterrent.
Pledges to allow women to work have also been met with scepticism after female government employees were reportedly barred from returning to work.
The PAS Youth assembly will be held at the Corus Paradise Resort in Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan today and tomorrow.
Elections to determine office bearers for the 2021-2023 term will also be held. - Mkini
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