AS a child growing up in Tasek Gelugor, Penang, Mohamad Sabu would see and hear jet fighters and military planes in the sky near his home. 

Yesterday evening, as defence minister, he flew in one – an Airbus A400M Atlas military transport – that carried him to the Royal Malaysian Air Force base in Butterworth, Penang. 

The new minister said he felt so much pride, returning to Penang and having his first buka puasa event at the air force base so close to his house.

“As a boy, I use to look at the military planes flying pass. Today is the first time I flew in an A400M,” he told the media the moment he sat down for his second press conference since his swearing-in last week.

Mohamad, the Amanah president and former Internal Security Act detainee popularly known as Mat Sabu, is famous for his jovial personality and sense of humour, which has long endeared him to Pakatan Harapan supporters. 

His jokes and antics at ceramah – he once tossed the microphone at the end of a fiery speech – are the source of much amusement to the crowd and social media users.

Shortly after he was named defence minister, he was the subject of jokes, memes and GIFs, but the popular politician has taken it all in his stride.

Even with protocol to observe, Mohamad has not lost his sense of humour, as he told the media of his experience on the A400M while seated next to Armed Forces chief General Raja Mohamed Affandi Raja Mohamed Noor.

“The sound of the engine was pleasant. The landing was smooth. It can be a commercial flight. 

“Only the seats are different. Jump seats, they are called…prepare to jump (from the plane),” Mohamad said.

There were times the new minister appeared stiff, when dealing with serious defence matters and questions about his portfolio. 

He admitted that he was still trying to adapt to his new responsibilities and life, which were different from his old opposition days when he could casually go to coffee shops to meet people. 

“I am adapting but I want to maintain the Mat Sabu style that everyone knows so well.”

When Mohamad broke fast with air force personnel later yesterday evening, it was clear people were curious about him. Many were eager to take selfies with him or take pictures of him from a far, as he moved about to shake hands. 

During his speech, he made jokes while he addressed the awkwardness that might be felt by military personnel over the recent change in Putrajaya. 

He told them he chose the Butterworth base for his maiden visit because it was only 4km to 5km by air from his kampung, drawing laughter from the quiet and composed audience.

Changing governments was new to Malaysia but normal for many other countries, he said, adding that politicians came and went but the security forces would always be around.

Mohamad, a former PAS leader, quoted the Quran when he touched on the importance of building up the nation’s defence forces.

“In Islam, building strength is very important. The Quran preaches that we must ready our strengths as much as we can. 

“It mentions preparing steeds of war – of course they didn’t use tanks or Sukhoi jets back then – to terrify our enemies and the enemies of Allah.

“It is our duty to build strength. It is not for launching attacks against other countries. We will continue to build up our defence to be the best security force around,” he said.

Mohamad also said he was ready to work hard with the armed forces and protect their welfare.

“Taking care of the welfare of our security forces will not bankrupt the country. It is corruption and abuse that can bankrupt the nation.

“You know, I can give a ceramah for an hour or two but times have changed after I am made a minister,” he said at the end of his speech, making the air force personnel laugh again. – May 27, 2018.