Former IGP Tan Sri Ismail Omar's appointment as Malaysia's new envoy to France certainly a great surprise

The news that the former Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar has been appointed as Malaysia's new envoy to France certainly is a great surprise to many including myself.

I have no doubt as to his ability as a crime buster and his command of English but is he competent in French? Although being able to speak in the language of the host nation is not a pre-requisite, it nevertheless is a great advantage if our highest ranking diplomat can negotiate with the host nation in the language of the host country.

It is a reasonable expectation of our Malaysian public that our ambassadors are able to converse in the language of the nation that they are going to be posted. The government must therefore explain why Ismail Omar is being sent to France as our new ambassador. Has he any relevant qualifications pertaining to the requirements of an ambassador?

As his experience is that of our country top crime buster, is he being sent to pick up the cold trail of the murder of Altantuya Shaariibuu who in a twist of irony was an interpreter, the services of one which Ismail himself may require?

To be fair to our existing and serving civil servants, is there no suitable senior government officials with the relevant qualifications who can take up this post in the diplomatic corps? The government must thus explain the criteria being used in the selection of Ismail Omar and furnish the reason why other senior government officials with vast experience have been overlooked for this very important posting.