“Surely Malaysia has better candidates,” MP says over Tajuddin’s pick as ambassador to Indonesia

“Surely Malaysia has better candidates,” MP says over Tajuddin’s pick as ambassador to Indonesia




PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah must explain and justify to all Malaysians why Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman was picked over many more experienced and qualified candidates to fill the Malaysian Ambassador to Indonesia position, said Batu Kawan MP Kasthuri Patto.

Raising questions about Tajuddin’s credentials and track record, she noted that there has to be some merit to a person who will represent the country on a global scale while carrying Government policies, positions and standards as the window to the wealth that Malaysia can offer.


“Surely Malaysia must have better candidates in the Prime Minister’s ‘Keluarga Malaysia’ in the form of diplomats, envoys, representatives and emissaries who have knowledge, experience and decorum to be face and image of Malaysia,” she said in a statement.


As a two-term MP Kasthuri recalled seeing Tajuddin in action “verbally abusing other lawmakers, making lewd and sexist remarks and provoking an MP to a punching match while belittling and insulting fellow lawmakers whom he feels do not belong in the August House”.


“Over the years Tajuddin has not shown that he has mellowed down and taken the road less travelled as a distinguished ‘Yang Berhormat’ but is rather more of a provocateur who is brash, uncouth, rude, racist and sexist – in and out of the Parliament,” she added.


In 1995 UMNO gave Tajuddin the sack for his involvement in money politics.

More recently he was dismissed from his position as chairperson of the Government’s public transportation company Prasarana Malaysia Bhd following his disastrous handling of a press conference to address the two-train collision on the LRT Kelana Jaya line that injured over 200 passengers.

He had drawn heavy criticism for his lack of empathy for the victims of the tragedy as well as his lack of professionalism when handling questions from the press.

Kasthuri further pointed out that according to the official website of the Foreign Affairs Ministry overseas missions are the institutional extension of the Government of Malaysia in maintaining good relations with foreign countries and international organisations.

The website also noted 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.

“Has Tajuddin made the cut for the above mentioned? As Malaysians, we already have to suffer with one ‘national embarrassment’ walking free in the country. Let’s not add to that list by this catastrophic appointment,” she said. – May 18, 2022