Controversial figure: The recent appointment of Pasir Salak Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman as the ambassador to Indonesia has raised many questions. – Bernama
CONTROVERSIAL Pasir Salak Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman has found himself facing a hail of brickbats following his appointment as the ambassador to Indonesia. Well, that’s hardly surprising.
He may have been re-elected by the constituents of Pasir Salak, Perak, for several terms since 2008 and appeals to his voters, but not many of us are admirers.
Honestly, we’re horrified. After all, he’s not representing Pasir Salak but Malaysia, as the country’s representative to Indonesia.
To put it bluntly, in the eyes of many Malaysians, Tajuddin isn’t what one would call a diplomatic person.
While the officials at Wisma Putra are unable to voice their discontent, some have privately conveyed their frustrations to former Malaysian ambassadors, and the media, too.
Foreign Ministry officials are still recovering from the shocking removal of our ambassador and consul-general to the United Arab Emirates, for allegedly not discharging their duties well.
But whether their sackings were justified or otherwise, the dismissals have gone down badly with the officials, and the appointment of Tajuddin is simply rubbing salt into the wound.
After all, they would surely have preferred for a professional diplomat to be appointed to Indonesia, rather than a politician. If it must be a politician, then at least one with an impeccable reputation and resume.
Previously a politician, Datuk Seri Zahrain Mohamed Hashim was named to the post. The former Ummo-politician-turned-PKR-leader was appointed after the 2013 general election but was recalled from the posting when Pakatan Harapan came to power.
Zahrain, a former Bayan Baru MP, was given the plum job after he quit PKR together with four other PKR MPs in 2010 and rejoined Umno in 2012.
Tajuddin is certainly an experienced leader but unfortunately, he has an image problem, which he only has himself to blame for. Perception is everything in politics, and he should know better.
Communication is certainly not one of his finer traits. In fact, he surely ranks lowly in that department.
Being diplomatic is defined by a person’s ability to be sensitive in dealing with issues or persons, and their ability to achieve peaceful resolutions or facilitate discussions, particularly in conflicts. More importantly, it is someone who has finesse, able to build mutual respect and is tactful.
It doesn’t look like Tajuddin ticks any of these boxes because he has a history of controversy and is known to be uncouth, brash, crass, and has frequently used abrasive language throughout his political career.
He probably thrives on this combative approach when he debates at the Dewan Rakyat, which explains why many Malaysians are bummed by the announcement.
His poor handling of a collision involving two trains when he was the Prasarana Malaysia Bhd chairman last year is legendary, to put it mildly, and he got himself sacked from the post following criticism that he had been insensitive at a press conference he held after the accident which left 213 passengers injured.
Who can forget his infamous warning to the media not to “probok” (provoke) him?
Then there was the time when he released a statement threatening “to slap” ethnic Chinese who air their complaints outside Malaysia.
According to the Malay Mail Online, in 1995, Tajuddin was sacked by the Umno leadership for his involvement in money politics to the tune of RM6mil for the post of Pasir Salak division chief, which was held by then Perak Menteri Besar Tan Sri Ramli Ngah Talib. However, he was reinstated three years later.
In 2016, he defended Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and his wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, for the latter’s extravagant lifestyle, saying it was perfectly “normal” to purchase expensive handbags. He saw no crime in it and claimed “(just one or two bags, why not? She’s a lady, I know girls like handbags. I was told one of the ways of tackling a girl is buying (her) a handbag.”
Tajuddin has expectedly earned the defence of some Umno leaders, especially those from Perak, but this chorus of party support is hardly convincing.
It’s almost certain that Tajuddin will ride through this storm of a controversy. He will just shrug at the anticipated criticisms. However, he should remember that respect is commanded, and not demanded.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has said Tajuddin’s appointment was agreed by Malaysia and Indonesia.
While host countries have turned down the nominations of ambassadors, often without a formal reply, as it is the diplomatic procedure rather than a downright rejection, in this case, President Jokowi has accepted Tajuddin and probably merely wish to respect the wishes of Malaysia.
But one would wonder what was on the minds of Jokowi and the Indonesian foreign ministry officials when Tajuddin’s nomination landed on their tables.
Tajuddin has received his appointment as a political reward, it’s that simple, and not because of his brilliance. However, the timing may not be best.
Indonesia, under Jokowi’s leadership, is on a forward leap, and he has done remarkably well with his competence in setting new standards of governance.
He is the envy of the world, with his simple lifestyle and moderate stand in the world’s most populous Muslim country.
Jokowi is at the peak of his popularity now, currently being chairman of the Group of 20 and playing host leader of the Asean Summit next year.
Well, Tajuddin will just have to prove his critics wrong – that he’s not a national embarrassment. Hopefully he doesn’t bite off more than he can chew.
