IT’S not a question of whether Malaysia will recognise the Taliban government of Afghanistan, but whether it should.

The Taliban were removed from power in Afghanistan by US-led forces in 2001, but the group has seized control of the country once again following a rapid offensive. Its return to rule on August 15 came at the end of almost 20 years of a US-led coalition’s presence in the country. 

Following the Taliban’s capture of the Afghan capital, President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani left the country.

Malaysia is one of the countries that have taken a cautious approach with the Taliban government. 

The approach includes supporting peace efforts in Afghanistan but not yet recognising the interim government led by the Taliban. 

On the other hand, Russia, China and Pakistan have shown support for the interim government and are using diplomatic and economic inducements to coax the Taliban onto a path of peaceful reconstruction instead of deploying military force.

It is opined that Malaysia should take the same approach in assisting to the reconstruction of the interim government. 

This includes sending experts to assist the interim government in the inclusivity aspect to achieve peace and lasting stability so that each level of the Afghan community will achieve peace, harmony, development and prosperity. 

The effort should highlight the importance of the role of women in the administration, not only in terms of protection and promotion of women’s rights, but also in the aspect of their role and contribution to society and the state. – September 22, 2021.

* Mahathir Mohd Rais is Segambut Bersatu division chief.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.