Tajuddin: I will speak when the time comes

PETALING JAYA: Pasir Salak MP Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman has dismissed criticism of his appointment as ambassador to Indonesia.

Tajuddin said he was more comfortable in being silent for the time being, and would only comment at the right time.

However, the former non-executive chairman of Prasarana Malaysia Bhd said he had taken to heart certain criticisms and accusations, which he said were not fair.

“I do not want to make any statements as many have written so much, some of which are unfair to me.

“They do not know me, but (I’m) only an old man who has served the government, country and people for more than 45 years, since the age of 25.

“However, I am being treated like an irrelevant individual, which is why I will be silent now and only speak when the time comes,” Utusan Malaysia quoted him as saying when met at the Terengganu Umno Hari Raya open house on Friday.

Tajuddin’s appointment as ambassador to Indonesia was a matter of speculation for eight months, and had attracted negative responses from Opposition MPs.

Seputeh MP Teresa Kok said Tajuddin had time and again been involved in various controversies, thus raising questions about his appointment.

On his part, Tajuddin said he was expected to leave for Indonesia to begin work on his new portfolio next week.

“As for my mission there, I have a lot on my mind, but will not be able to share them now,” he said.

Meanwhile, when asked if he would be less vocal while serving in Indonesia, Tajuddin stressed that it was not an important issue as his priority was sincerity and commitment to the job.

“Why should I be less vocal, and on which matter? As a fighter, I will never back down.”