PETALING JAYA: US President Donald Trump, who famously uttered the words "You're fired" over reality show The Apprentice, has done just that with over 80 ambassadors appointed by his predecessor.
However, US ambassador to Malaysia Kamala Shirin Lakhdhir, who assumed office earlier this month, is not among those being fired by Trump.
An embassy spokesman in Kuala Lumpur said all US ambassadors serve at the President's pleasure.
"However, the President has only recalled political-appointee ambassadors. Ambassador Lakhdhir is a career diplomat," he told The Star Sunday.
The Independent reported that Trump had demanded every ambassador appointed by former president Barack Obama to leave office by midday Jan 20, with no grace period.
Also affected are US agency chiefs and ambassadors for global women's issues, among others.
While it is normal practice for politically appointed envoys to step down at the start of a new administration, it is not common to have no replacements.
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