Tajuddin needs a position to fulfil role as BNBBC chair, deputy minister says

A deputy minister says it is appropriate that Pasir Salak MP Tajuddin Abdul Rahman is given a government position.

This is because Tajuddin is the chairperson of the BN Backbenchers Club (BNBBC) in Parliament, Deputy Communications and Multimedia Minister Zahidi Zaid said.

"Since he is the BNBBC chairperson, it is appropriate for the leader of the club of government supporters to be appointed to a post

"To carry out his duties as BNBBC chairperson, he needs a position. It's not possible (to do so otherwise) as there is the matter of allocations and such," Zahidi told Malaysiakini.

He said this when asked to comment on the backlash against the appointment of Tajuddin (above) as ambassador to Indonesia.

'A reward for staunch support'

Sources previously told Malaysiakini that the appointment was a reward for the Pasir Salak MP's staunch support for Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob during the premiership tussle in August last year.

Elaborating further, Zahidi said that it was not fair if a regular BNBBC member were to hold positions in GLCs while its chairperson had no position.

He chided that perhaps those who don't want Tajuddin as ambassador would prefer if he was appointed as deputy prime minister or even a minister.

Zahidi said criticism or praise was to be expected for any appointment, and that people should agree to disagree.

Tajuddin had previously served as Prasarana Malaysia Bhd chairperson but was sacked in May last year for his insensitive handling of an LRT accident that left scores of people injured. - Mkini