PETALING JAYA: Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman may have a controversial past, but he has been an elected representative for many terms and that means the people are comfortable with him, says Datuk Seri Nazri Abdul Aziz.

       "This is about diplomacy and human relations, so I think when it comes to that, we have nothing to worry about, because he has been elected as an assemblyman and MP for many terms.

       "Being elected by the people over and over again means that the people are quite comfortable with him.

       "If he doesn't have communication skills, I don't think he will get elected so many times and I think he has the relevant experience," the former minister said.

       Tajuddin's appointment as ambassador to Indonesia, which was confirmed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob on Wednesday (May 18) afternoon, has received divided opinions.

       Tajuddin made his debut after winning the Kampong Gajah state seat in the 2004 general elections against PAS.

       In the 2008 general election, Tajuddin contested and won the Pasir Salak parliament seat, and is its current three-term MP.

       Meanwhile, Nazri also addressed the controversial press conference by Tajuddin on May 26 last year, that resulted in his eventual removal as Prasarana Malaysia Bhd chairman.

       Nazri said that Tajuddin, as an experienced politician, would've learned from that incident.

       "If you look at the positive side, that issue shall always be something which will remind him to be cautious and careful next time.

       "As an old and experienced person, he knows how important are the ties with Indonesia and I believe he will do his very best for the country," added the Padang Rengas MP.

       Tajuddin was terminated as the Prasarana Malaysia Bhd chairman on May 26 last year following a disastrous press conference on the LRT mishap on May 24.

       During the press conference, Tajuddin was also fined for breaching Covid-19 protocols after he appeared wearing a face shield without a mask.

       Nazri also played down criticism on Tajuddin being a political appointee, saying that former Bayan Baru MP Datuk Seri Zahrain Mohamed Hashim was appointed as ambassador to Indonesia in 2013 and former Kuala Pilah MP Datuk Seri Hasan Malek as ambassador to Cambodia in 2016.

       "So, political appointments are nothing new in our part of the world," added Nazri.

       Tajuddin will be replacing former senior diplomat Zainal Abidin Bakar as the former Malaysian ambassador to Indonesia who had served since 2018.