Govt should follow world's lead over whether or not to recognise Taliban - BN

 

BN has urged Putrajaya to adhere to the tenets of international relations it had practised for years before recognising the Taliban as the legitimate government of Afghanistan.

“BN is of the view that any recognition of the Taliban must be in line with the stance taken by the international community,” said BN secretary-general Zambry Abd Kadir in a statement today.

“The Malaysian government must follow the tenets and principles of international relations that we have practised over the years in recognising any government or regime. There should be no special exceptions in the case of the Taliban,” stressed Zambry.

The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan headed by the democratically elected leader of 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 US 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.

Zambry said BN takes the current situation unfolding in Afghanistan very seriously and is concerned over the increasingly dire humanitarian crisis that will culminate in the near future.

“The US’ decision to withdraw from Afghanistan in a poorly planned and uncoordinated manner, as well as the failure of the Afghan government to defend its position, have caused the security situation in Afghanistan to be jeopardised,” he said.

BN recommended that Putrajaya immediately take the initiative to call Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states to convene in a special conference or meeting.

“As a reputable and neutral Islamic country, Malaysia has the capability to influence OIC members to come to a consensus on matters relating to the future of Afghanistan,” he said.

“BN also urges the government to liaise with the Taliban delegation in Doha, Qatar in order to develop early communication. This must be done with one objective, to facilitate the coordination of international humanitarian aid to be channelled to the people of Afghanistan should the situation become dire,” he said.

“May Afghanistan recovers its security and be given the opportunity to rebuild and develop peacefully and prosperously again,” he said.  - Mkini