Tajuddin to accept any decision on ambassador appointment
Pasir Salak MP Tajuddin Abdul Rahman said he would abide by whatever government decision regarding his appointment as Malaysia’s ambassador to Indonesia.
The Umno leader told Utusan Malaysia that a meeting was held with Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob in Putrajaya yesterday, where he was given an overview of the appointment.
He told the news portal that he could not disclose...
Pasir Salak MP Tajuddin Abdul Rahman said he would abide by whatever government decision regarding his appointment as Malaysia’s ambassador to Indonesia.
The Umno leader told Utusan Malaysia that a meeting was held with Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob in Putrajaya yesterday, where he was given an overview of the appointment.
He told the news portal that he could not disclose the details of the meeting out of respect for the cabinet.
“Regarding the current position, I do not know. Only that I have been appointed by the cabinet, but for the next process, I will leave it up to the government. I believe the government will act and decide wisely.
“Most importantly, if my services are needed, I will serve the rakyat and the country.
“In fact, I can explore available opportunities so both countries may benefit from cooperation that leads to progress in development, economy, education and others,” he was quoted as saying.
Tajuddin also refuted rumours that he was unqualified for the position, alleging that it was only aimed at tarnishing the reputation of a leader.
“They make up all sorts of ill-intentioned stories. All with the intention to betray. Do they think I have no abilities, achievements or experience?” he questioned.
Over 50 years of service
Tajuddin said that while rumours spreading from the opposition bloc did not bother him, he regrets to hear that Umno leaders have also followed suit.
However, Tajuddin maintained that these rumours would not discourage him.
“I, who have served (in politics) for over 50 years, will continue to serve using my experience as an elected representative, chairperson of government-linked companies and deputy minister,” he added.
Tajuddin confirmed his appointment as Malaysia’s ambassador to Indonesia back in May, replacing career diplomat Zainal Abidin Bakar.
However, it was later reported that Tajuddin was not among the new ambassadors receiving their appointment letters from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong this week.
Free Malaysia Today (FMT) cited sources stating that Tajuddin had been dropped as ambassador to Indonesia.
However, The Malaysian Insight cited a source close to the Prime Minister’s Office denying the FMT report and that the lawmaker’s appointment had only been “delayed”.
He and four other envoys were supposed to have received their appointment letters last month, but the ceremony was postponed after the king was hospitalised for an ankle and knee joint intervention procedure.
Tajuddin’s appointment had triggered a public backlash, with many questioning his ability to act as a diplomat due to his track record of being combative and undiplomatic.
He was removed as Prasarana chairperson in May last year for his insensitive handling of an LRT accident that left scores injured.
Days after the appointment ceremony on June 20 was postponed, Tajuddin was sacked as an appointed Umno supreme council member.
This was over a falling out with party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Following this, Tajuddin held a tell-all press conference, where he railed against Zahid, accusing him of lying to Umno about backing opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim as prime minister.
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