PETALING JAYA: Umno’s Pasir Salak MP Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman has been dropped by Putrajaya as Malaysia’s ambassador to Indonesia, according to sources in Wisma Putra.
“Yes, his name has been dropped, confirmed,” said the source briefly when contacted on Monday (July 11).
The Star has attempted to contact Tajuddin to obtain a confirmation regarding his position as the Malaysian ambassador to Indonesia.
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It is understood that Tajuddin’s name is not on the list of four other envoys who were scheduled to receive their appointment letters from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on Tuesday (July 12).
Another source said Tajuddin’s name was initially on the list of envoys scheduled to receive their appointment letters (surat watikah) from the King, just before Hari Raya Haji on Sunday (July 10).
However, it was unclear why Tajuddin’s name was suddenly dropped from the list.
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“As far as I know, the issue is being dealt with tactfully as the Prime Minister wants Tajuddin,” said the source briefly.
“The last time I checked the list before Hari Raya Haji, Tajuddin’s name was still there,” the source added.
On July 2, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said there was no need to question Tajuddin’s appointment as ambassador to Indonesia.
Ismail Sabri said Tajuddin’s appointment had been presented to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for approval and added that suggestion to scrap the appointment was akin to questioning the powers of the King.
On May 17, Tajuddin confirmed that he was appointed as Malaysia’s ambassador to Indonesia, which drew criticism.
Tajuddin and four other envoys were scheduled to receive their appointment letters on June 20, but it was delayed after the Yang di-Pertuan Agong was hospitalised for a knee joint and ankle intervention procedure.
Tajuddin was also removed as an Umno supreme council member last month, which led to a tell-all press conference by the Pasir Salak MP.
During the press conference on June 27, Tajuddin had made various allegations against Umno, among them, an alleged plot to push for Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s resignation as party president.
Tajuddin was also terminated as the Prasarana Malaysia Bhd chairman on May 26 last year following an ill-received press conference on the LRT mishap on May 24.
