Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu was welcomed by a pleasant surprise upon arriving in Singapore.
After attending Friday prayers at Masjid Sultan, 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.
The Amanah president was appointed as defence minister after Harapan won the mandate in the 14th general election last month to govern the country.
Mohamad’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 happily shared his photograph with the minister.
Locals’ reaction to Mohamad was also reported by Berita Harian Singapore.
He received similar reception in Shangri-La Hotel, where the three-day dialogue is 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.
Mohamad is scheduled to meet US Defence Secretary James Mattis and will return to Malaysia today.
- Bernama
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.