LETTER | The recent visit by a Taliban-led delegation to Malaysia has sparked comments from DAP chairperson Lim Guan Eng.
As a nation committed to constructive diplomacy, Malaysia must contextualise such engagements within the framework of its established foreign policy and international norms.
1. Engagement rather than isolation:
It is vital to distinguish between diplomatic engagement and ideological endorsement. Malaysia has a long-standing tradition of engaging with countries across the political spectrum, including autocracies, communist nations, and others with contrasting governance models.
These interactions reflect Malaysia’s position as a neutral and inclusive nation open to dialogue with all parties to foster peace and mutual respect.
The Taliban currently represents the de facto government of Afghanistan. Malaysia, as a responsible member of the international community, adheres to diplomatic norms that facilitate government-to-government (G2G) engagements.
These engagements, while not signifying approval, allow for open communication, mutual understanding, and avenues for pragmatic constructive dialogue, especially on crucial matters such as education, humanitarian aid, and gender rights.
2. Learning and sharing best practices:
By hosting discussions with Afghanistan’s representatives, Malaysia has the opportunity to share its own values of moderation, inclusivity, and progress in areas like education and gender equality. Such platforms can plant seeds of reform and demonstrate alternative paths that respect diversity and empower women while preserving cultural and religious identity
3. Inclusion in a diverse world:
The world is increasingly interconnected and excluding any government or community from dialogue risks further isolation and entrenchment.
Malaysia’s role as a bridge-builder in Asean and the global arena compels us to engage with all stakeholders, even those whose policies or actions we may not agree with. Such engagement is critical to upholding peace, stability, and dialogue in an often-polarised world.
Malaysia’s hosting of the Taliban delegation, particularly on education-related matters, offers an avenue to influence and inspire constructive change. Rather than viewing this visit as a step backwards, we should recognise it as an opportunity to assert Malaysia’s principles of inclusivity, moderation, and diplomacy.
The path to global progress requires engagement, not exclusion. As Malaysians, we must maintain our openness to dialogue and our commitment to fostering understanding in an increasingly complex world.
SANGETHA JAYAKUMAR is PKR Women's vice-chief.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.