Hadi Jumped The Gun In Recognising Taliban Salahuddin

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Amanah International Bureau chairperson Salahuddin Ayub has accused Malaysia's Special Envoy to the Middle East Abdul Hadi Awang of jumping the gun in announcing support for Afghanistan's Taliban government.
Salahuddin in a statement said the PAS president appears to have exceeded his authority ahead of any Cabinet's decision on the matter.
"Foreign policy is set by Wisma Putra and the foreign minister. Hadi has jumped the gun exceeding his capacity.
"Hadi seems to have exceeded his capacity in making such announcement and commitments," said the Amanah deputy president.
"Firstly, Malaysia has not officially recognised the Taliban Government of Afghanistan.
"Secondly, has the Malaysian cabinet and government authorised him to make such a statement on behalf of the government? Such a commitment must be endorsed by Cabinet due to the many implications related to protocals," said Salahuddin.
Abdul 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 Abdul Hadi the need for Malaysia to provide economic and humanitarian aid for Afghanistan.
However, Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah said Malaysia is not in a hurry to recognise Afghanistan's Taliban government and is still awaiting the UN's decision on the matter.
Commenting further, Salahuddin said Abdul Hadi had raised questions surrounding the timing of his announcement.
"After being so quiet since being appointed special envoy to the Middle East, and not travelling to any Arab countries, could it be just a coincidence he acted so hastily with GE 15 drawing close?
"Religious figures normally make wise and well-calculated moves but why is he acting in such a manner?" said Salahuddin.

Beyond Afghanistan, Salahuddin questioned Hadi's perceived silence on the long-standing crisis in Yemen that has been attributed to Arab and Western powers.
He pointed out millions of adults and children are suffering in Yemen due to ongoing conflict that saw attacks by Saudi and Western allies.
As such, Salahuddin called on Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob to state Malaysia's stand on both the Taliban administration in Afghanistan and the Yemen crisis.
"Abdul Hadi should also explain to the cabinet and to all Malaysians, why he had previously absconded from his duties as special envoy, but suddenly nearing the Johor state polls, reappeared with a controversial announcement on a country that is outside of his duties as envoy to the Middle East," he added. - Mkini

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