Mat Sabu arrives to fan-fare in S’pore

Photos with minister much sought after – even among media at summit

SINGAPORE: Newly-minted Malaysian Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu’s visit to Singapore was filled with pleasant surprises.

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 the 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 Parti Amanah Negara president, one of the component parties of Pakatan Harapan.

Mat Sabu’s “fans” freely shared their photographs with him on 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 also shared his photograph with the minister.

The local public’s reception of Mat Sabu was also reported by Berita Harian Singapore.

The scenario was similar at Shangri-La Hotel where the threeday dialogue was being held.

Mohamad was approached by participants and hotel staff alike for photographs.

“After dinner on Friday, we returned late to our rooms because we were obliging ‘fans’ who approached him at the hotel lobby,” according to one of the minister’s escorts.

Bernama was “unwittingly” drawn into the scene with Singapore-based foreign media friends asking whether the writer was going to interview the minister.

“Did you get an interview slot with him? What time? Can we join? Don’t worry, we won’t disturb your interview. We only want to take photographs.” These were among the requests Bernama received from media friends in the city-state.

Mohamad also met Singapore Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen yesterday.

According to a statement by Singapore Defence Ministry, during their meeting, Dr Ng and Mohamad affirmed the warm and longstanding defence relations between Singapore and Malaysia.

Mohamad visited Singapore for three days from June 1.

As part of his visit, he also called on Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean. — Bernama