BUTTERWORTH: Defense Minister Mohamad Sabu admitted that he was thrilled when given the chance to return to the place he grew up in, on board a Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) aircraft.
Having grown up in Tasek Gelugor, Mat Sabu said he used to listen to the engine sounds of aircraft and other fighter jets that came from the RMAF Butterworth air base.
“I live not far from here. Now that I am here, I feel proud to return to my hometown," Mohamad or Mat Sabu as he is more commonly known as told reporters at the air base here, today.
“This is the first time I'm returning to my area on board a military aircraft. The ride was fine despite going through some thick clouds," Mat Sabu said.
“I have been on a military aircraft before but today I flew in a good aircraft. The landing was not shaky,” he added.
Mat Sabu, arrived at the base at about 5.15pm on the Airbus A400M RMAF transport aircraft to attend the buka puasa event with the military personnel here.
He was accompanied by his wife Normah Alwi, Armed Forces Chief General Tan Sri Raja Mohamed Affandi Raja Mohamed Noor and RMAF Chief General Datuk Seri Affendi Buang.
This is his maiden visit at the Butterworth base and his second press conference as the new Defense Minister since taking the oath of office last Monday.
He also said that he will maintain the ‘Mat Sabu style’ outside his official capacity as a minister especially when meeting the public.
“The Mat Sabu style will not be used when I am on duty. I will still respect the protocol, customs and culture in the military.
“The Mat Sabu style is only when I am meeting the people, mingling with them,” he added.