Saifuddin stays mum over Tajuddin's appointment as ambassador
17 Jul 2022 10:35pm
Pasir Salak MP Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman
SHAH ALAM - Foreign Affairs Minister Saifuddin Abdullah is mum over controversial Pasir Salak MP Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman's appointment as Malaysia's ambassador to Indonesia.
During a press conference in Kuantan, Saifuddin said Wisma Putra's policy was to not reveal the name of any envoys until they receive appointment letters from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
"That is why Wisma Putra usually does not issue any statements on who will soon be an ambassador... we don't issue such statements," he was quoted in Malaysiakini.
It was previously reported that Tajuddin, the Pasir Salak MP will be Malaysia's ambassador to Indonesia. On June 20, he was supposed to receive the appointment letter with four others but the ceremony was postponed as the King was hospitalised for medical reasons.
However, during the rescheduled ceremony last Tuesday, Tajuddin's name was not on the list.
A source from the Prime Minister's Office had told Sinar Daily last week that Tajuddin's name was not dropped but "just postponed". He had said that there were no changes from the PMOs.
Tajuddin's appointment triggered widespread criticism as people questioned his capabilities to deal with Indonesia, an important trading partner of Malaysia.
Last May, he was removed as Prasarana chairperson for his insensitive remarks after an LRT accident that left scores injured.
Tajuddin was also sacked as Umno Supreme Council member just days after June 20 after a fallout with party president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
