GEORGE TOWN: Having a close-knit family-like relationship was the reason behind the open letter written by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa to Permatang Pauh member of parliament Nurul Izzah Anwar.
Dr Mujahid said that the letter was written in classical Bahasa Melayu language as he appreciated and was interested in its literary value.
“I never thought it would become trendy, it is an honest letter written from a senior to a junior, as my family and Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's have been close from a long time ago," he said, referring to the PKR president who is also Nurul Izzah's father.
“I witnessed Nurul Izzah’s path into politics, definitely it would be a surprise when she withdraws herself from party positions," Dr Mujahid remarked.
“This is not the first time I have written using literary language, even in Parliament I like to recite poems,” he said when met by newsmen after the launching of the ‘Rahmah’ programme at the Penang Hospital, here, today.
When asked if Nurul Izzah had responded to the open letter, he said that it was a secret and would not make it known.
Dr Mujahid also said he was used to that attitude of Netizens who ridiculed his open letter.
“I am used to their attitude. I take it as ‘interesting’.
“They (Netizen) should be thankful to me. Because of me, now many are using the word ‘kanda’ and ‘dinda’,” he added.
Dr Mujahid made waves on Tuesday when he posted the open letter online.
Written in Malay, Mujahid opted for the classic pronouns of ‘kekanda’ and ‘adinda’ in referring to himself and Nurul Izzah.
Titled ‘Warkah Dari Cordova’, Mujahid penned the note for Nurul Izzah on his way from Cordoba to Madrid in Spain, following the latter’s resignation as PKR vice president and Penang chairman.