KUALA LUMPUR – Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman’s appointment as ambassador to Indonesia has puzzled political observers, with some saying that the move is problematic rather than beneficial for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
Seasoned politician Tajuddin is no stranger to public gaffe, boorish antics and controversies, and is largely seen by the public as unqualified for such a position.
For Universiti Teknologi Malaysia geostrategist Prof Azmi Hassan, a prudent politician would not give room to Tajuddin due to his antics and negative press.
“Logically any politician, especially the PM, would want to distance himself from Tajuddin because he is such a negative ‘attraction’, so it really puzzled me as to why the PM made such a decision.
I’m sure the PM and his advisers know this will trigger negative comments as we have seen, and only two Umno members supported his appointment, one of them bring Nazri Aziz, while the others are keeping their distance from Tajuddin’s appointment,” he said, referring to Padang Rengas MP Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz.
Nazri previously stated the Pasir Salak MP could strengthen ties between Putrajaya and Jakarta.
Another Umno MP that came to Tajuddin’s defence is Jempol MP Datuk Seri Mohd Salim Sharif, who stated that his appointment should be respected as he was appointed by the PM.
However, Salim stated that Tajuddin could be replaced if he doesn’t perform.
Singapore Institute of International Affairs senior fellow Oh Ei Sun, meanwhile, said Tajuddin’s appointment is likely to consolidate Ismail Sabri’s position within Umno.
Tajuddin is a very influential grassroots leader in Umno, and Ismail Sabri simply could not afford to not pacify him. The ambassadorship to Indonesia is traditionally something quite coveted by senior Umno politicians, and apparently Tajuddin is quite pleased with this appointment.
“So, this strengthens Ismail Sabri’s position within the party, which is ultimately what truly matters to him, as he is facing a revolt by the mainstream of his own party,” he said.
Who has support?
Some have argued that Tajuddin could be seen as a supporter of Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and his appointment could potentially rob the Bagan Datuk MP of a strong ally.
However, Azmi said Tajuddin does not have strong support even from the party, making his appointment as an ambassador more awkward.
Tajuddin has also called for party polls to be held before the general election, contrary to Zahid’s strategy.
“Tajuddin doesn’t have much support, not only outside of Umno but inside Umno as well. If we see Tajuddin’s political statement, he is more anti-Zahid, and even of the opinion that party polls should be held before the general election.
Azmi, however, said Ismail Sabri should instead act more judiciously and appoint career diplomats and focus more on other pressing national issues rather than consolidating his support within the party.
“But I believe the PM’s hands are tied, as he faces difficulties because of the entire political situation of the government, which consists of Bersatu, Umno and PAS.”
Puzzling appointment
An Umno party insider, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said Ismail Sabri’s “calculations” in appointing Tajuddin puzzles many in the party.
But the party insider points to the need to placate Tajuddin and influence his support within the party, which will be leveraged when the right opportunities present themselves.
It is a move that baffled many senior leaders as well. Of all people, Tajuddin? He prefers to shoot from the hip and could draw unneeded attention.”
The insider also points to Tajuddin’s growing “contrary” behaviour towards Zahid and stated that “certain parties” interested in challenging the president could benefit from courting his support.
“You have to remember, Tajuddin was removed as the party’s election director last year. He was also very blunt during the supreme council meeting,” he said, referring to a 15-minute audio leak from an Umno Supreme Council meeting last year.
In the meeting, Tajuddin said it was not the time for Umno to retract support for then prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, among many other issues, including the readiness of Umno machinery facing the 15th general election.
Tajuddin was appointed as Umno election director on November 4, 2020, and was unceremoniously replaced by Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan on July 13 last year. – The Vibes, May 22, 2022
