PETALING JAYA: MCA has urged Malaysia, as a member country of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), to hold a special conference to address humanitarian issues in Afghanistan.

       “MCA’s stance is that the transition of power in Afghanistan is not running smoothly and has caused the country’s administration to destabilise, leading to a chaotic situation that has resulted in the misery of its people,” said party spokesperson Mike Chong in a statement yesterday.

       “It is well known that Afghanistan is currently under Taliban rule, so the Malaysian government must follow the tenets and principles of international relations that have been held for so long in recognising any government in the world, including Afghanistan,” he said.

       Chong added that Malaysia should give attention to the grave situation taking place in the country as this has resulted in the loss of lives and has left its citizens in an aggrieved state.

       “In the spirit of caring for fellow human beings and the importance of valuing human life regardless of religion, race and nationality, MCA urges the Malaysian government to call on member countries of the OIC to hold a special conference to address humanitarian issues in Afghanistan.

       “We also call on Malaysians to pray for the stability and well-being of Afghanistan in its time of crisis,” he added.

       On Friday, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said up to half a million Afghans could flee their homeland by the year-end, following the fall of the country to the Taliban.