LETTER | Should Malaysia recognise the Taliban?

LETTER | Will Malaysia recognise the Taliban? The real question is, should Malaysia recognise Taliban?

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 on Aug 15 to rule brings an end to almost 20 years of a US-led coalition's presence in the country.

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

To date, Malaysia is one of the countries that has taken a cautious approach with the Taliban government.

The approach includes supporting peace efforts in Afghanistan but Malaysia has yet to recognise the interim government led by the Taliban.

On the other hand, countries including Russia, China and Pakistan have been showing their support towards the interim government, 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 in 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.

MAHATHIR MOHD RAIS is Bersatu Segambat division chief.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.