LIM Guan Eng’s response to a question during his first press conference as finance minister today has been lauded by social media users.

Asked by a reporter how he felt being Malaysia’s first Chinese finance minister in more than 40 years, he said: “I’m sorry, I don’t consider myself a Chinese, I am a Malaysian.”

The presser followed Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s announcement that the DAP secretary-general will be made the finance minister, Amanah president Mohamad Sabu (defence) and Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin (home).

Facebook user Aruna Sena urged the new Pakatan Harapan government to be like Lim and not play the race card.

“The biggest announcement isn’t the cabinet line-up, but our finance minister, Lim Guan Eng, schooling a reporter by saying he doesn’t consider himself a Chinese, but a Malaysian.

“I think it’s time you folks drop the whole ‘identification by race’ and start calling yourselves Malaysian.”

Some social media users, however, found it funny that Mohamad, better known as Mat Sabu, was given the defence portfolio.

They said he might not be serious during meetings, and “might throw a microphone when he is angry”, referring to what he did at a ceramah in Sg Buloh two years ago.

“Mat Sabu and his mic have been named the ministers for defence,” said Amin Romli.

Muhyiddin’s appointment as home minister got approval, with social media users saying this will allow him to go after former prime minister Najib Razak and Najib’s wife, Rosmah Mansor, given that he will now be in charge of police.

“Congrats to Muhyiddin. Surely Najib, Rosmah and goons won’t be sleeping well. Their end is near,” said Facebook user Rickee Lee. – May 12, 2018.