Pas does not need to use Taliban strengthen its Islamic image

SHAH ALAM - Pas does not need to use Taliban to enhance the party's Islamic image, said the Information Chief Senator Khairil Nizam Khirudin.

He said support for the Taliban was linked with Malaysia's foreign policy, which was known for its role as a peace broker for Islamic countries and conflict-torn areas.

“Pas openly supports the Taliban government because the Taliban is the government that governs Afghanistan.

“The Taliban government needs support to redevelop the country after achieving victory and independence from the grip of colonialism.

"However, Pas will not support any form of violence in Afghanistan, terrorism is not a reflection of the Islamic government that Pas is fighting for," he said in a statement today (April 8).

Bukit Aman Special Branch's Counter-Terrorism Division (E8) Normah Ishak, during a webinar titled “Alumni Afghan Generasi Seterusnya? Assessment from SEA” claimed that Pas used the Taliban to improve its Islamic image.

Normah said this could be seen when Pas praises the Taliban's success in taking over Afghanistan after American troops withdrew from the troubled country in August last year.

Moreover, Khairil Nizam said, the Islamic struggle was the struggle of Pas and issues involving Islam whether in Malaysia or other Islamic countries such as Afghanistan and Palestine.

He said they will continue to be fight for it.

“The record of Pas administration in Kedah, Terengganu and Kelantan is proof of Pas' Islamic struggle has placed the well-being of the people as a priority.

“The rights and freedoms of the non-Muslim community are also protected. The Islamic image of the Pas administration in those states has not an obstacle to the development and increased foreign investment.

“This clearly proves that Pas does not need the rhetoric of political support to improve the party's Islamic image.

"Pas calls on all Muslims to help Afghanistan reconstruct their country on the basis of Islam-organised peace and to continue to uphold Islam in Afghanistan without resorting to violence," he added.