Explain Tajuddin's appointment to be ambassador to Indonesia, MP asks PM
MINDERJEET KAUR17 May 2022 09:22pm
Umno leader Tajuddin Abdul Rahman in a brief text confirmed his appointment as Malaysia’s new ambassador to Indonesia.
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SHAH ALAM - Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has been told to explain his decision to choose controversial Umno leader Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman Malaysia's ambassador to Indonesia, said an opposition MP.
Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin, a member of the Parliament Special Select Committee on International Affairs said Malaysia's relationship with Indonesia was a top priority and there should be put at risk.
In his statement, he added there are many thorny issues among regional countries such as disputed territories, exclusive economic zone, treatment of foreign labour, competition for exports and imports and competition for foreign direct investments.
"Skillful diplomats are needed to resolve such issues.
"Malaysians have seen how Tajuddin performed in the Parliament and his handling of the MRT crisis.
"Is he the right choice for this important position?" Sim further asked.
He said Tajuddin is considered the latest political appointee, "who often failed to uphold professionalism."
Citing Tajuddin's removal from MRT Corp was an example of the perils of political appointments.
"After meeting many Wisma Putra officers, I am confident that there are many more experienced capable career diplomats who can handle challenging bi-lateral relationships between the two countries," he said.
Sim said that while the appointment was made by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, this was on the advice of the prime minister who must be made to account for the decision.
"Therefore, we must hold the current government accountable for their choice of the candidate," Sim added.
Earlier today, Tajuddin in a brief text to Malaysiakini confirmed that he has been appointed as the country’s new ambassador to Indonesia.
“It’s true,” Tajuddin was quoted as saying to MalaysiaKini.
The post of ambassador to Indonesia has remained vacant since Zainal Abidin Bakar, who was appointed on March 21, 2019, retired on April 4, 2021.
