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KUALA LUMPUR – Newly appointed Malaysian ambassador to Indonesia Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman has defended his latest appointment, saying he is no ordinary man on the street.
The former Prasarana Malaysia Bhd non-executive chairman, despite saying he would rather not comment on brickbats he received over his new role, appeared to be affected by the negative comments.
“I do not want to make broad statements addressing every topic but instead just comfort myself while reading all sorts of things people have said. Part of it is unfair to me.
“They do not know me, they see me as an old man when I have actually served with the government, the country and for the people for more than 45 years since I was 25 years old.
“But now I am treated as though I am just a ‘man on the street’,” he was quoted saying in a report by Utusan Malaysia.
He said this was why he has yet to respond to the criticism, saying he would make the appropriate comments when the time is right.
Tajuddin revealed he would be heading to Indonesia next week to begin work as ambassador but remained coy on details of his plans there.
“About the mission there, actually there is a lot in mind but I cannot share about it yet, when I am there, then I will speak,” he was quoted saying.
On Tuesday, Tajuddin ended months of speculation when he confirmed his appointment as ambassador.
His appointment triggered a hailstorm of criticism from non-governmental organisations and lawmakers who questioned the government’s selection criteria and criticised Putrajaya for overlooking more suitable career diplomats for the role.
Even a petition opposing his appointment was initiated online.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob had said Tajuddin’s appointment had been approved by Indonesian President Joko Widodo, and suggested the Pasir Salak MP was a seasoned and experienced politician deemed fit for the job. – The Vibes, May 21, 2022