A SELANGOR lawmaker has slammed PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang’s political secretary Syahir Sulaiman for claiming that dialogue does not imply recognition of Taliban.
“This is especially when PAS leaders have a history of being sympathetic and even calling for the recognition of the Taliban in Afghanistan.
“For there to be any credibility in the claim by Syahir, he or PAS must clearly denounce the atrocities by the Taliban immediately,” said Bukit Gasing state assemblyperson Rajiv Rishyakaran in a statement.
Last Friday (Feb 4) Hadi had pledged to help the Taliban-run Afghanistan with humanitarian and economic assistance, including aid to redevelop the country, said a former ambassador.
After drawing flak from several parties, Hadi’s aide has recently clarified that the recent session between Hadi who is the Government’s special envoy to the Middle East and Taliban representatives was merely a “dialogue” arranged by the Qatar Government.
Syahir also said that “dialogue does not imply recognition but it is part of our operational engagement”.
On the topic, Rajiv urged Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob to make a clear stand on this matter as PAS is a component member of his administration and his envoy’s action in dialogue with the Taliban is deemed representative of Ismail Sabri’s position.
“We cannot accept and recognise the Taliban not just as the Government of Afghanistan, but in the words of PAS, through their portal Harakah Daily, as the savior of Afghanistan.
“In fact, the world over has not given recognition to the Taliban as the rightful government,” he said.
“Unacceptable for any political party in Malaysia”
Rajiv went on to cite four reasons why this is crucial, including the fact that the Taliban has not only been condoning but pushing for the suppression of women in Afghanistan as well as the curbing of democratic rights.
“Women are instructed to stay home and are frowned upon if they work or attempt to obtain education.
“A lot of women live their whole lives in fear and are oppressed because they are unable to fend for themselves. Violence against women is normalised by the Taliban Government,” he remarked.
Furthermore, Rajiv noted that the previous building of the Ministry of Women’s Affairs has been taken over by the Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice.
“This ministry is Taliban’s moral police, that forces the citizens to adhere to the hyper-conservative ideologies that the Taliban live by and the tearing down of the Ministry of Women’s Affairs is symbolic to the faith and future of the women in the country,” he added.
On human rights, Rajiv further noted that the Taliban has rejected democracy and its key element, which is elections and that they have continued to create a narrative to point out the holes in the democratic system.
“A Malaysian political party that does not denounce an administration that does not believe in elections is terrifying,” he remarked.
Meanwhile, Rajiv also touched on the public hangings at the Central Square of Afghanistan.
“Ever since the Taliban government has reigned in power, one of their many atrocities was to resume the public hangings.
“The showcasing of a human being suffering to death shows the extent the Taliban Government is willing to go to in order to scare and instil fear in their citizens,” he commented.
Further, Rajiv noted that Amnesty’s finding is that the group has threatened human rights defenders and journalists.
“It does not stop there. Their families are intimidated and some of them have even been hurt due to their work to increase the awareness of the citizens.
“We have all heard the horror stories and the brutality these individuals and their families have faced in the attempt of shedding light on the reality of the Afghan people.”
Touching on Putrajaya’s “silence” on this matter, Rajiv said that not criticising the Taliban and “giving wishy-washy statements while being friendly with the Taliban” is unacceptable for any political party in Malaysia.
“Refusing to stand in solidarity with the women of Afghan for the brutality that they face on the daily just to access education is sickening and is not excusable for any individual,” he justified.
“Not standing against the government who refuses to give their citizens democratic rights is shameful.
“PAS has to release a statement dissociating themselves from the Taliban and in solidarity with the people of Afghan.
“They have to apologise for fraternising with the Taliban administration as they owe it not only to Malaysians but also the people of Afghanistan.” – Feb 11, 2022
