Washington Approved Nazri’s Ambassador Appointment 6 Months Ago, Says PM

Anwar Ibrahim said cancelling Nazri’s appointment now would bring a host of problems.

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The appointment of Umno warlord Datuk Seri Mohamad Nazri Aziz, the former Padang Rengas MP, as the new Malaysian ambassador to the United States has been criticised by many quarters.

Unfortunately, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Nazri’s appointment as the ambassador was confirmed by Washington six months ago and cancelling it now could lead to a host of issues.

Anwar only assumed the role of prime minister in November 2022 after Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

Due to this, it was alleged that Nazri was given the prestigious appointment following the alliance between Pakatan Harapan and Umno.

I only asked for the permission of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to delay the appointment letter so that I could prepare my Cabinet line-up.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said after officiating the Housewife Social Security Scheme and MyFutureJobs 2023 Career Carnival.

According to Malay Mail, Anwar said criticisms are allowed but the allegations made were harsh. He said the criticism made shouldn’t be hasty.

The attacks made it look like as if we were responsible [for the appointment], but it was done following a confirmation process by the US.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim

In 2021, Nazri retired from politics after 26 years in the Dewan Rakyat. He decided not to defend his Padang Rengas seat during the 15^th general election (GE15) to make way for a new face.

Since last year, there were speculations that Nazri would be made the country’s ambassador to Switzerland or the US.

He reportedly rejected the offer to become an envoy to Switzerland as he was still an MP.

His appointment as the ambassador to the US has also been met with disapproval from former ex-diplomats such as former ambassador to the Netherlands Datuk Noor Farida Ariffin and former Malaysian high commissioner to Canada Dennis Ignatius.

Nazri has shrugged off the criticisms and said the only opinion that mattered was those of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the prime minister.

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