Dialogue doesn't imply recognition of Taliban, says Hadi's aide

Dialogue doesn't imply recognition of Taliban, says Hadi's aide


A spokesperson of Abdul Hadi Awang's office has clarified that the recent session between the government's special envoy to the Middle East and Taliban representatives was merely a “dialogue” arranged by the Qatar government.

In a statement today, Hadi's political secretary Syahir Sulaiman refuted criticism that Hadi jumped the gun in announcing support for the Taliban government of Afghanistan when Malaysia has yet to make a stand on the issue.

“The session with Afghan/Taliban representatives in Doha was a ‘dialogue’ session, arranged by Foreign Ministry of Qatar upon our request,” he said.

He said the whole world, including the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), United Nations (UN), European Union (EU), US and China have been engaging with the Taliban government through multiple channels of dialogue.

“Dialogue does not imply recognition but it is part of our operational engagement,” he said.

“During the dialogue, both sides agreed to prioritise redevelopment and humanitarian efforts in Afghanistan,” added Syahir.

“Regarding the recognition, the special envoy conveyed Malaysia’s official stance that remains the same as stated by Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah,” he said, adding Putrajaya's effort to donate US$100,000 (RM410,000) to the UN for humanitarian efforts in Afghanistan, was coordinated by the OIC and other NGOs.

Syahir was responding to Amanah international bureau chairperson Salahuddin Ayub and DAP's Bangi MP Ong Kian Ming, who questioned the controversial meeting between Hadi and Taliban representatives.

Hadi had on Feb 4 met with representatives of the Taliban in Doha, Qatar.

Subsequently, the Taliban's permanent representative to the United Nations, Mohammed Suhail Shaheen, said he had discussed with Hadi the need for Malaysia to provide economic and humanitarian aid for Afghanistan.

Foreign Minister Saifuddin had said Malaysia is not in a hurry to recognise Afghanistan's Taliban government and is still awaiting the UN's decision on the matter.