A PKR lawmaker this evening called for Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob to explain the government's decision to appoint Pasir Salak MP Tajuddin Abdul Rahman as the country's latest ambassador to Indonesia.
Sim Tze Tzin questioned the choice of Tajuddin to fill such an important position.
He pointed out the Umno man's blunder in handling last year's LRT crash incident when he was chairperson of Prasarana Malaysia Bhd.
"The relationship with Indonesia is one of the top foreign relations agenda for Malaysia. Malaysia cannot afford to cause tension between the two countries.
"There are many thorny issues among regional countries such as disputed territories, exclusive economic zone, treatment of foreign labour, competition for exports/imports, and competition for foreign direct investments. Skilful diplomats are needed to resolve such issues.
"Malaysians have seen how Tajuddin performed in Parliament and his handling of the LRT crisis. Is he the right choice for this important position?” Sim (above) asked in a statement today.
The Bayan Baru MP said the move can also be considered the latest political appointment.
“Political appointees have often failed to uphold institutional professionalism. The removal of Tajuddin… was an example of the perils of political appointments," he added.
Sim, who is also a member of the Parliamentary Special Select Committee for International Affairs, was referring to Tajuddin's handling of the May 2021 incident where the latter reportedly made insensitive remarks.
The public relations faux pas landed Tajuddin in hot water and resulted in his removal from the state-owned company.
Earlier today, Malaysiakini reported Tajuddin was appointed Malaysia’s ambassador to Indonesia, to be based in Jakarta. He is to replace career diplomat Zainal Abidin Bakar.
Sim said he believes there are many other experienced career diplomats who can handle the task.
"While I respect the king’s appointment, it was the prerogative of the prime minister to submit his (Tajuddin’s) name. Therefore, we must hold the government accountable for its choice of candidate.
"The prime minister must answer to the public why he chose Tajuddin," Sim added. - Mkini
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