SINGAPORE: Newly minted Malaysian Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu or Mat Sabu as he is simply known had a pleasant surprise upon coming to Singapore.
Firstly, at Masjid Sultan after attending Friday prayers, fellow Muslims both local and foreign greeted and requested to take photographs with him.
“That was a pleasant surprise. Didn’t think they were following political developments in our country,” the minister was heard saying.
Mohamad arrived in the republic on Friday to attend the 17th edition of Asia’s premier defence summit, Shangri-La Dialogue.
He is also the President of Amanah, one of the component parties in Pakatan Harapan (PH). He was appointed as Defence Minister after PH won the mandate in the 14th general election last month to govern the country.
Mat Sabu’s ‘fans’ freely shared their photographs with him in social media.
“Salam Jumaat. Haji Mohamad bin Sabu, commonly known as Mat Sabu by everyone, Minister of Defence of Malaysia at Masjid Sultan Singapore earlier. Such a simple man.
“A leader of the people, Alhamdulillah,” says one Facebook user who happily shared his photograph with the minister.
The local public reception of Mat Sabu was also reported by Berita Harian Singapore.
The scenario was similar at Shangri La Hotel where the three-day dialogue was being held.
Mohamad was approached by participants and hotel staff alike for photographs.- Bernama
