WITH the dilemma on whether to recognise Taliban’s legitimacy over Afghanistan, an academic retorted by enquiring whether Malaysia still follows basic protocols in dealing with such affairs.
“The protocols, assuming this Perikatan Nasional cum Barisan Nasional Government has any, may not necessarily conform to any ‘international protocol’.
“We have gone our own way on so many things before, and now months after the Sheraton Move, I believe this regime itself is unsure what protocol means,” University of Nottingham of Malaysia Professor Zaharom Nain told FocusM.
Yesterday, HELP University Faculty of Business, Economics and Accounting and Institute Crime and Criminology senior lecturer R Paneir Selvam told FocusM that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob must make a firm stand that Malaysia neither supports nor condone any terror groups.
This was following Taliban’s allegation that two Malaysian members of the Islamic State- Khorasan (ISIS-K) were involved in the deadly attack at the Kabul airport last Thursday.
Paneir Selam also lashed out PAS leaders for backing the Taliban without going through international norms and practices in recognising a regime change.
“As political leaders, these people must understand that there are certain protocols that needs to be adhered to before recognising the legitimacy of a foreign Government.
“I urge these so-called leaders not to jump the gun as it may jeopardise Malaysia’s image globally by sending a wrong message to the international community. Do bear in mind that we share a good relationship with the US and other major powers,” he was reported saying.
Respect diverse views
Elaborating on PAS, Zaharom said that being part of the Government, any official statement the Islamist party makes should in line with official Government policy.
However, he cautioned against painting anyone in negative light just because they offer some favourable view on the Taliban.
“As the international community is a huge and diverse society, I’m sure views and opinions would be varied as well. Those supportive of the Taliban would invariably view this positively and vice versa.
“And as far as I can recollect, PAS officials just said something favourable about the Taliban. Let’s be fair and not paint a distorted picture of what is, in our excitement,” he opined.
On Malaysians’ involvement in the Kabul airport attack, Zaharom said that many are aware for some time that there were locals involved in terror group such as ISIS, just like other nationalities.
“So, I don’t think a bunch of people with Malaysian passports joining terrorist organisations will make our country’s reputation all that bad.
“Like any ‘big family’, to use the jargon introduced by our new yet old prime minister, there will be good and bad apples.
“So, why do we need to be the pioneers or set impossible standards in that respect, by trying to be the best in this or that? l feel that we are too self-absorbed, possibly due to our own insecurities, that we need to be seen internationally as being the best, wisest etc,” he remarked. – Aug 30, 2021.
