Commentary by Mustafa K. Anuar

AN attempt at explaining a recent meeting held between the prime minister’s special envoy to the Middle East Abdul Hadi Awang and Taliban representatives in Qatar became contentious when it was couched in what appeared to be coded language. 

This occurred when PAS MP Ahmad Tarmizi Sulaiman responded to Amanah international bureau chairman Salahuddin Ayub’s criticism of the said meeting where Hadi reportedly offered humanitarian aid on behalf of Malaysia to war-torn Afghanistan. 

In his defence of Hadi, the Sik MP pinned Salahuddin’s argument down to influence of “the West” and DAP, as if this is cogent enough an explanation to ordinary Malaysians.

In the first place, “the West” is consciously a vague term to be used in this context as different countries in the region may have different opinions and approaches towards the Afghanistan question.

Besides, concerns about human rights, particularly pertaining to those of women, which were said to have been violated by the Taliban regime, need to be addressed not only by “the West”, but also developing countries such as ours.

In addition, the Taliban reportedly did not take kindly to criticisms and dissent, which resulted in, say, journalists and government critics being hauled up, cruelly treated and at times with violent means. This is obviously disturbing. 

Malaysia should be doubly concerned about human rights under the Taliban, seeing that our country has just taken a seat in the United Nations Human Rights Council. 

To unpack Tarmizi’s assertion, the coded term “the West” might have been used sweepingly with the aim to gain traction with some Malaysians who perceive the western sphere as mainly populated by people whose lifestyles and cultures are generally regarded as “immoral”, and therefore, are inimical and dangerous to Islam and Muslim countries such as Afghanistan.

However, such an approach towards “the West” may not necessarily put us on a high moral ground especially when there is growing suspicion among foreigners generally that Malaysia is no less “immoral”, given the scourge of corruption and power abuse that have infested this Muslim-majority country that is supposedly God-fearing.

As for Tarmizi incorporating “the DAP” into his equation, it is likely that the term was coded for the benefit of PAS members and possibly other Malays, which is the mantra that demonises the DAP – because everything that is bad in this country is purportedly equated with the DAP.

While the “the DAP” blame may be acceptable to the PAS members, it does not necessarily sit well with people who are of different wavelengths and who are not simpletons overlooking nuances.

Having said that, Tarmizi’s coded language should not easily distract us from the crux of the matter, which is the valid concerns expressed by Salahuddin.

For one thing, the Pulai MP rightly asked the question whether Hadi’s meeting and aid offer had violated diplomatic protocols, given that Malaysia, like many other countries, has yet to recognise the Taliban regime. Hence, Salahuddin’s expression of PAS “jumping the gun”.

Another question, did the PAS president consult Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob and subsequently Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah about this matter prior to having the meet with the Taliban?

And, has Hadi gone beyond his job scope for having meddled in politics beyond the Middle East? Shouldn’t he be concerned about, say, the plight of the Yemenis instead?

Surely, Salahuddin and his ilk have got what it takes to ask the right questions. – February 10, 2022.