Has Tajuddin been dropped from being appointed as envoy?

KUALA LUMPUR – The question of whether Umno’s Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman will become Malaysia’s high commissioner to Indonesia has seized the attention of the public, especially after reports emerged yesterday that he has been dropped from the appointment.

A few media agencies quoted sources as saying 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 today.

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.

Attempts by Getaran, the Bahasa Malaysia sister portal of The Vibes, to get first-hand confirmation from Tajuddin himself and from Foreign Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah on the matter did not succeed, as both did not respond to messages and phone calls to seek their clarifications.

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 the 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 as well as congratulated him on his appointment as an 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 (SD) signed last year by Umno leaders supporting opposition leader and PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as prime minister. – The Vibes, July 12, 2022