THE Malaysian government will support Afghanistan but has stopped short of recognising the Taliban’s temporary government in the country, said Minister of Foreign Affairs Saifuddin Abdullah in the Dewan Rakyat today.

“No country has recognised the Taliban government in Afghanistan, including its neighbours. As such, Malaysia is also observing the developments in Afghanistan,” he said, adding that Malaysia will make a decision based on the Afghan people’s acceptance of the Taliban government.

“We noticed that the Taliban government is not inclusive and does not include other ethnicities or women in the government. Malaysia believes aspects such as inclusivity are crucial to ensure a stable government.”

Saifuddin (Indera Mahkota-PN) was responding to questions from Hatta Ramli (Lumut-PH), Larry Sng (Julau-PN), Oscar Ling (Sibu-PH) and Ahmad Fahdli Shaari (Pasir Mas-PN) on the subject.

“However, the government has agreed to donate US$100,000 (RM419,000) to Afghanistan based on humanitarian grounds,” Saifuddin said, adding that he had already informed the United Nations secretariat on September 13.

“The donation will be made through various international organisations to ensure that the aid reaches Afghans who need it,” Saifuddin said.

According to Saifuddin, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation decision to support Afghanistan was made during an emergency meeting on August 22 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

“Malaysia will continue to be involved in the discussion on Afghanistan under the OIC framework. 

“As a whole, all the OIC members have agreed to give their full support for a peaceful resolution in Afghanistan and will focus on providing humanitarian aid to the Afghan people,” Saifuddin said. 

On another matter, Saifuddin told the house that a recent statement by PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang statements in support of the Taliban government did not mean he had direct contact with its leaders.

He noted that Hadi, like other leaders in the country including opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, had contacts with some leaders in Afghanistan.

He said personal ties with some leaders in Afghanistan did not equate to support of the Taliban administration. – September 21, 2021.