Two weeks on, humour helps Mat Sabu cope with ministerial duty

Two weeks after being in sworn-in as the new defence minister, Mohamad Sabu is adapting to his new job well.

"Can already. Even in a marriage, we only feel awkward for three or four days," quipped the Amanah president.

Speaking to selected reporters at the Ministry of Defence in Kuala Lumpur today, Mohamad, who is fondly known as Mat Sabu, said he has been well received by the staff at the ministry.

"I have not received any criticisms from those who don't like me being the defence minister. I have not heard, I only hear praises. I also have no pressure in working (as the new minister). I'm happy with my staff and the workload, humour helps me cope with the pressure.

"By right, at 60 years-old, one retires, but this is the opposite, where I'm just starting to work according to a schedule," he joked..

This, however, was no reason to complain, he added.

"We cannot claim to be tired because our prime minister, Dr Mahathir Mohamad, is 93-years-old," he pointed out.

Fishing, not golf, please

Asked about his hobby, Mohamad said he was not into golf but was more into fishing and cooking his catch.

"I don't play golf but I enjoy fishing, and I will cook the fish I catch.

"Some of the fish I catch, I preserve to be given to my friends," he said, admitting that he can hardly find time for his hobby lately due to his ministerial responsibilities.

Mohamad is one of the 13 ministers who was named to the cabinet following Pakatan Harapan's win at the general election on May 9. -Mkini