KOTA BARU: There are no issues with Pas president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang being made special envoy to the Middle East as Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob made the appointment himself.
In saying this, Pas secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan disputed a remark by Umno supreme council member Mohd Razlan Rafii that Hadi was given the position with minister status because of politics, even though he did not do any work.
Takiyuddin said: "The person who appointed the Pas president (as an envoy) can evaluate his capabilities. I believe the prime minister can see this when he appointed Hadi to the post.
"Hadi has contributed a lot to the country. This can be seen through his good ties with other Islamic countries and those in the Middle East.
"Based on this, he was recognised by the prime minister."
Takiyuddin, who is caretaker energy and natural resources minister, said this after a meeting at Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) here today.
The Prime Minister's Office announced Hadi's appointment as the prime minister's special envoy to the Middle East with minister rank on April 2.
On the TNB meeting, Takiyuddin, who is Kota Baru member of parliament, said it discussed the progress of TNB's projects, including the Nenggiri hydro dam project.
"TNB gave an assurance that it is ready to face the flood season.
"I was told that all TNB assets are ready for the monsoon season.
"The Nenggiri hydro dam project is expected to be operational in 2027."