Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has revealed that the previous Ismail Sabri Yaakob administration was the one that nominated former Umno MP Nazri Abdul Aziz as Malaysia's ambassador to the US.
Nevertheless, Zahid expressed his confidence in Nazri's ability to represent the country and manage his duties as an envoy.
"(Nazri's name was mooted) during the ninth PM’s administration," Zahid (above) told a press conference in Kuala Lumpur, referring to Ismail Sabri.
Asked if it was Umno or BN that mooted Nazri for the post, the Umno president said it was the then government’s decision.
Zahid noted that Nazri had the right personality for the job and hoped that the new envoy could also help Malaysia to improve its ranking in the US Trafficking in Persons Report (TIP).
"He has a suitable personality to become Malaysia's top diplomat to the US.
"Previously we had several figures appointed to the post, such as the late Jamaluddin Jarjis, Awang Adek Hussin and such, who managed to establish closer relations between the US and Malaysian governments," he said.
"I believe (Prime Minister) Anwar Ibrahim will be visiting the US, and Nazri is able to organise, arrange and also set up important meetings between the prime minister and top leaders of the US government, as well as corporate leaders in the US.
"I also hope (Nazri will be able to bring Malaysia) to a (better) level in getting our citizens to visit the US, because previously, the position of our country was lowered to Level (tier) 3... I hope Nazri can lift our position to Level 1," he added.
Zahid is believed to be referring to Malaysia's ranking in the annual US Trafficking in Persons Report.
Malaysia's ranking dropped to Tier 3 in 2021, and remained there in 2022. This year's ranking has not been released yet.
While the TIP ranking can lead to sanctions, there is at present no impact on Malaysians entering the US.
Nazri previously said how migrant workers are brought into Malaysia may be the reason behind the low TIP ranking.
On Thursday, the Foreign Ministry announced Nazri’s appointment.
It said the Yang di-Pertuan Agong had presented a letter of credence to Nazri and nine other heads of diplomatic missions during a ceremony held at Istana Negara. - Mkini
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