For nearly three months, thousands of Malaysians have tuned in to Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob's daily live telecasts on the government's Covid-19 prevention policies and procedures.
In a special interview with Bernama TV, Ismail admitted being initially nervous to be the bearer of bad news - to announce various restrictions as decided in the ministers special meeting that he chaired every morning.
This was on top of adjusting to the new alliances formed following Perikatan Nasional's takeover of the Harapan administration, which saw a new cabinet comprising Umno and PAS MPs appointed alongside a majority of Bersatu MPs, several former ministers from PKR, as well as East Malaysian parties.
As part of his public image, Ismail said he shied away from a formal suit and tie combo look, preferring plain shirts with rolled-up sleeves to appear more at ease and relatable.
In the interview, Ismail also touched on his colourful batik shirts that caught viewers' eyes, particularly throughout Ramadhan which saw likely hungry netizens stuck at home during the movement control order (MCO) period making comparisons between the designs and local food and drinks.
"I just picked out a (random) colourful batik shirt that I have always worn, suddenly it was trending.
"It was not my intention to make it trending," Ismail said, explaining that he chose to wear batik shirts as they are less formal than office attire but still fit his role to represent the government on national television.
"But maybe when people are staying at home during the MCO, they became too creative and compared my shirt to local kuih.
"I didn't just become a model for batik, but also for kuih," he quipped.
Ismail at the time commended netizens for their creativity to compare his shirt designs to Sarawak kek lapis, avocado shake, rainbow jelly and Oreo trifle, among others.
The senior minister in charge of security cluster further credited his son-in-law, fashion designer Jovian Mandagie, for coming up with some of his newer batik shirt collection.
"...if it’s from my existing collection, my wife will help me choose which shirt to wear," he said.
Commenting on a particular black and white batik shirt (above) by Tourism, Arts and Culture ministry agency Karyaneka which he wore in conjunction with the Gawai celebration on June 1, Ismail said it had prompted inquiries from Malaysians who were keen on purchasing a similar design.
Since the start of the MCO on March 18, Ismail has held almost daily press conferences, although restricted to national news agency Bernama and RTM, to announce decisions made at the morning's special ministers meeting and address any related questions.
Ismail said he worked hard to present a confident stance, aided by a team including from the various ministries and the prime minister's department, to anticipate and prepare responses to the questions.
The daily sessions held at the Prime Minister’s Department in Putrajaya is televised live on RTM. - Mkini
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