Speaking in a webinar titled “Next Generation Afghan Alumni? Assessment from Southeast Asia”, Normah said PAS did so when praising the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan after the US troops withdrew from the country in August last year.

She cited PAS International Affairs and External Relations committee chairman Khalil Abdul Hadi’s congratulatory message on Aug 18.

Khalil, who is PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang’s son, posted a tweet in which he said the Taliban had “liberated” Afghanistan after it had been colonised and invaded. The tweet was subsequently deleted.

“They are creating narratives to the party’s advantage, forming opinions and perceptions among Muslims in Malaysia, so that Muslims in Malaysia (think) ‘Taliban is okay now. They will be fine without armed support’.

“The recognition by an Islamic party for the Taliban’s struggle augurs well with fans of terrorism in Malaysia,” Normah said.

However, she reminded the people that the Malaysian government has not recognised the Taliban government yet.

In a statement published in the party’s organ Harakah on Aug 25, Hadi claimed that the Taliban leaders have changed and were heading in the right direction.

He also urged Muslims not to be influenced by the coverage of the Taliban by the Western media, which he described as “media fasiq” (evil media).

PAS’ stance on the militant movement’s takeover of Afghanistan was condemned by netizens who pointed out the Taliban’s extremist views and discrimination against religious minorities and women.

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