Saying No To Taliban Jihadists Is Good For Malaysia

---

 


News reports of Malaysia's keenness to collaborate with the Taliban regime of Afghanistan and its view that Hamas are “freedom fighters”, not terrorists, as is branded by many countries deserves a national examination at all levels.
In an increasingly precarious and perilous geopolitical climate, Malaysia needs to tread with wisdom and care.
Earlier, the Taliban was reported to have said that it is seeking a good relationship with Malaysia, especially in trade and investment.
Eventually, we saw Malaysia's Education Ministry hosting officials from the Taliban.
More recently, an Education Ministry official denied a viral claim that it will be accepting 3,800 Afghan Taliban lecturers and students into Malaysian universities next year.
Meanwhile, our position with regard to Hamas has also been registered globally in various news reports and not favourably either.
Patriot National Association, Malaysia (Patriot) is of the view that our intentions and actions, well-meaning though these may be, deserve a thorough examination and timely correction if need be.
Our beloved nation is a democracy with a constitutional monarchy system. Our nation's defence and security history has been a marvel, guided by the wisdom of our first prime minister and rulers.
We not only gained our independence without going to war but also fought strategic battles with diplomacy and overcame the communist threat.
Our strong democratic political will and unwavering allegiance to our rulers enabled our soldiers and police to eliminate the insurgency.
For decades, we have earned the admiration of many nations that saw our soldiers roped in for peacekeeping missions in various war-torn nations, including our Asean neighbour, Cambodia.
Use wisdom
We are a peace-loving trading nation that has centuries of wisdom dictating our future successfully.
And as a fast-developing democratic constitutional monarchy, we must continue to protect, nurture and defend this foundation and pillar of our unique nationhood.
Aligning with governments, regimes, countries or even factions that concern the world must be avoided.
As for the Talibans wanting to associate with our education system, it sounds unconvincing.
Truth be told, Afghanistan is the only country in the world that does not allow girls and women to attend secondary schools and universities.
And with PAS segregating the sexes and introducing public whipping, all the more Patriot is concerned.
Patriot, therefore, does not blame concerned citizens for fearing or not trusting the Taliban’s visit.
Likewise, our prime minister’s stance on Hamas as freedom fighters may give rise to complications in the future.
Patriot strongly feels that we need to uphold our long history of wisdom when it comes to taking positions, associating with foreign powers or entities or even carrying out trade.
Malaysia is not an Islamic country but the religion of the federation is Islam. We are a democracy and our prized constitutional monarchy is our asset.
In fact, given the pockets of extremist philosophies and movements that have been popping up every now and then in our country, we need to be vigilant in forging a geopolitical positioning.
We need to be diligently watchful and not let any political forces sow more seeds of divisiveness in the multiracial, multi-religious country of ours.
Our rulers have from time to time expressed their deep concerns and called upon citizens and lawmakers to cherish, protect, defend and advance our nation's track record.
And we need to be prudent over the political agendas and political philosophies of countries that have a high rate of disapproval from democracies and fast-developing or developed nations.
If we have to say no to Talibanism and the likes of Hamas or other jihadist regimes, we must. - Mkini
ZARAZILAH MOHAMED ALI is the president of Patriot National Association, Malaysia.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.

---