KUALA LUMPUR: Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu and his deputy, Liew Chin Tong, are a solid team, said an aide to the minister.
Mohamad’s political secretary, Mohd Azhar Mat Dali, in a Facebook posting today, also rubbished suggestions that Liew was overshadowing his boss.
“I only smile when I see the behaviour of opposition leaders who try to push the narrative and perception that Liew, who is a DAP Youth leader and also deputy defence minister, stands out more in carrying and discussing defence policies compared to Abang Mat,” he said, referring to Mohamad, better known as Mat Sabu.
He said this in response to Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki’s statement, questioning who was the “real defence minister”.
The former deputy minister had also claimed that Liew stood out more when it came to defence policies.
Liew, in an interview with the New Straits Times today, had spoken at length about the Defence White Paper.
Azhar said the opposition had run out of ideas to find fault in Mohamad, adding that they were “too naive” to understand Pakatan Harapan’s reforms as they were accustomed to and restricted by the methods of the previous Umno regime.
“Liew is a young leader who is critical and have many constructive views towards the building of an ideal nation.
“I was one of the happiest people when I found out that he was chosen by the Prime Minister to become Mohamad’s deputy because I know his capabilities.
“Since Liew’s first day as deputy, he and Mohamad have been a strong team.”
He added that Mohamad, as an experienced political leader, was wise in evaluating and choosing his teammates.
“He personally tasked Liew with assisting the ministry in completing the Defence White Paper.
“In this regard, Mohamad provides many opportunities to Liew and others to work and bounce off ideas as long as it was within the ministry lines.” he added.
Azhar also said that there were always discussions among Mohamad and Liew, which also involved top-level officers in the ministry to ensure that an issue was understood and decided on together.
“So there is no issue on whether someone stood out more.”