Controversy over Tajuddin’s appointment is Malaysia’s internal affair, says Jakarta

 

The appointment of Tajuddin Abdul Rahman as ambassador to Indonesia is Malaysia’s prerogative, says Indonesian foreign ministry spokesman Teuku Faizasyah.

PETALING JAYA: The Indonesian government will not meddle in the internal affairs of Malaysia with regard to the appointment of Tajuddin Abdul Rahman as the ambassador, says its foreign affairs ministry.

According to a report in Jakarta’s Tempo daily today, ministry spokesman Teuku Faizasyah emphasised that the appointment was the prerogative of the Malaysian government, and Indonesia wished to stay out of the internal politics here.

“We are aware of the various commentaries in the local media linked to the dynamics of Malaysia’s domestic politics. We should not get involved,” Faizasyah told the news portal.

Tempo had reached out to the Indonesian foreign ministry for comment regarding the appointment of Tajuddin as the Malaysian ambassador there after the matter courted controversy in Kuala Lumpur.

“The appointment of an ambassador is the prerogative of the governments that send their envoys. They are selected through the internal processes in their own countries,” he said.

He said the Indonesian government will normally be asked for approval of those nominated by countries sending them.

“In Indonesia, the appointment of ambassadors to other countries has an additional process – parliamentary approval,” he said.

Tajuddin will replace Zainal Abidin Bakar, who has served as ambassador since 2018. He is expected to take office later this month.

The report said there were objections to his appointment in Malaysia from certain quarters after his controversial statement regarding the head-on collision of two LRT trains last year.

“He is also often made fun of on social media by netizens in Malaysia because he is considered an insensitive and rude figure,” said the report. - FMT