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KUALA LUMPUR – Pasir Salak MP Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman’s appointment as the Malaysian ambassador to Indonesia has merely been delayed, instead of being dropped outright.
A source close to the matter had reportedly told English portal Sinar Daily that Tajuddin’s appointment was retained but deferred to a later date.
“Not dropped, just postponed for now,” said the source, whose words were echoed by another of the news publication’s contacts within the Prime Minister’s Office regarding the firebrand Umno lawmaker.
“His name is not removed. He is still the ambassador. Except (his appointment has been) delayed,” said the government insider.
This follows after several news agencies reported that the Pasir Salak MP’s name has been replaced, and is not included among the list of individuals scheduled to receive their appointment letters for overseas diplomatic assignments from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong yesterday.
Free Malaysia Today (FMT) reported a source as saying that the government has had a change of heart on Tajuddin’s appointment.
However, The Malaysian Insight quoted a source close to the prime minister’s office as saying that the appointment is still on track and there is only some delay in the issuance of the credential letter.
FMT reported that Tajuddin refused to comment and asked the portal to refer the matter to Wisma Putra.
“No comment. Ask the foreign minister or prime minister,” he reportedly said.
Late last month, Tajuddin was relieved from his post as Umno Supreme Council member following a directive from party president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The letter, dated June 21, was issued by Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan, who quoted Zahid as stating that he had terminated Tajuddin’s services as the council’s member.
Ahmad also stated that Tajuddin should continue his service as a committed party member, and congratulated him on his appointment as ambassador.
When accosted by reporters, Zahid later said it would be unfair for others to publicly disclose the reason for the move, telling the media to ask the Pasir Salak MP why he was removed.
“Ask him what statements he has made, the contents of his speeches or ceramah, or what he said at closed-door meetings,” Zahid had said.
On June 27, Tajuddin dropped a bombshell claiming that he is a “living witness” to statutory declarations signed last year by Umno leaders supporting opposition leader and PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as prime minister. – The Vibes, July 12, 2022