Batu Kawan MP Kasthuri Patto has urged Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob and Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah to justify the appointment of Pasir Salak MP Tajuddin Abdul Rahman as the Malaysian ambassador to Indonesia.
In a statement today, she said Tajuddin’s (above) shock appointment left many “baffled” and questioned what it took for an individual to represent Malaysia on the international front.
“Surely, there has to be some merit to a person who will be the face of Malaysia in Indonesia, carrying government policies, positions and standards as the window to the wealth that Malaysia can offer.
“Does Tajuddin have what it takes as a Malaysian ambassador to Indonesia?” Kasthuri asked.
She claimed that in her two terms as an MP, she has witnessed Tajuddin verbally abuse other lawmakers.
This included making lewd and sexist remarks against DAP MP Teresa Kok, provoking the then-Shah Alam MP Khalid Samad to a punching match outside the House, and belittling and insulting fellow lawmakers whom he feels do not belong in the august House, among others.
“Over the years, Tajuddin has not shown that he has mellowed down and taken the road less travelled as a distinguished ‘Yang Berhormat’, but more of a provocateur who is brash, uncouth, rude, racist, and sexist - inside and outside Parliament,” said Kasthuri.
Chequered history
She noted that the Pasir Salak MP’s appointment came in spite of his dismissal in 1995 from Umno for alleged involvement in money politics.
The 74-year-old politician was also sacked from his position as chairperson of the government’s public transportation company Prasarana following remarks deemed insensitive in the aftermath of an LRT collision in Kuala Lumpur which left dozens of passengers injured.
The Batu Kawan MP argued that there were likely better candidates in the prime minister’s “Keluarga Malaysia” government in the form of a non-political appointee.
This included diplomats, envoys, representatives and emissaries who possess the knowledge, experience and decorum to be the face and image of Malaysia globally and in the Asean region.
According to the Foreign Ministry website, overseas missions are the institutional extension of the government in maintaining good relations with foreign countries and international organisations such as the UN and its organs, Asean and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
The website states that the main roles of the missions include conducting activities that promote friendly relations with the host government and lobby in the interest of Malaysia, gathering useful political, economic and other information, as well as news and activities with a possible impact on Malaysia’s national interests.
‘Don’t add to national embarrassment’
“Has Tajuddin made the cut for the above-mentioned criteria?
“Ismail Sabri and Saifuddin must explain and justify to all Malaysians why Tajuddin was picked over many more experienced and qualified candidates who can fill the place of ambassador to Indonesia.
“As Malaysians, we already have to suffer from one ‘national embarrassment’ walking free in the country. Let’s not add to that list by this catastrophic appointment,” Kasthuri said.
Yesterday, Tajuddin confirmed his rumoured appointment as Malaysia’s ambassador to Indonesia, based in Jakarta.
“It’s true,” the Umno leader said in a brief message to Malaysiakini.
Online portal Malaysia Now had earlier quoted diplomatic sources who revealed that Tajuddin’s appointment has received approval from the Indonesian government under President Joko Widodo.
His appointment to replace career diplomat Zainal Abidin Bakar will see the return of a politician to the position of ambassador.
Zainal was appointed in 2018 under the then Pakatan Harapan administration to replace former PKR MP turned Umno politician, Zahrain Mohd Hashim, who served in the position since 2013.
Prior to Tajuddin’s confirmation, Indonesian news agency Antara had reported on his rumoured appointment since last October, later fueled by his presence during Saifuddin’s formal visit to Jakarta in November. - Mkini
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.