Editor’s note: Muda Development Authority (MADA) CEO Abdullah Ismail has since clarified that he had already greeted and shook hands with Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu (Mat Sabu) when the latter first arrived for his working visit in Kedah on Monday (Sept 30).
In apologising, Abdullah said that he had no intention not to shake Mat Sabu’s hands, saying he was in fact startled when the former wanted to shake his hands for a second time.
WHEN a cabinet minister turun padang to visit an organisation under the ministry’s purview, the least one can do is extend common courtesy and observe protocols instead of allowing political alignment to get in the way.
Such is the opinion of TikToker Wan Hadi (@wanzz.official2) who shared a short clip which was re-posted by self-proclaimed Mr.Nazril (@Nazril_Iznil) on the X platform.
𝗗𝗶𝗱𝗶𝗱𝗶𝗸 𝗨𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗸 𝗕𝗶𝗮𝗱𝗮𝗽
Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif MADA, Abdullah Ismail mempamerkan sikap biadap dengan 𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗴𝗮𝗻 𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗻 dengan Menteri Pertanian Datuk Seri Haji Mohamad bin Sabu.
Elok diberi surat tunjuk sebab dan pecat jika ingin menjadi ‘Duri… pic.twitter.com/BPWqYoqmv1
— Mr.Nazril (@Nazril_Iznil) October 1, 2024
The video shows Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu (Mat Sabu) visiting the Muda Development Authority (MADA) headquarters in Alor Setar, Kedah.
In it, the MADA CEO Abdullah Ismail is clearly seen withholding his hand when Mat Sabu extended his to greet the former.
Wan Hadi could not hide his contempt for Abdullah for this perceived slight and lack of professionalism.
He contended that this was an official visit by Abdullah’s “boss” as the organisation falls directly under Mat Sabu’s purview.
He further revealed that the purpose of Mat Sabu’s visit was to check on food supplies to affected flood areas in Kedah. Mat Sabu was not on the campaign trail nor giving a ceramah.
Noting that Abdullah was appointed to the role when PAS was in Putrajaya, Wan Hadi opined that political differences should not be an obstacle to extending common courtesy such as shaking the minister’s hand (who is affiliated to Amanah which is a PAS splinter party).
Meanwhile, Mr.Nazril who shared Wan Hadi’s video contended that Abdullah should be given a show cause letter and removed from his position with immediate effect for his insolence.
Quite a number of netizens seem to agree with the sentiment expressed by Mr.Nazril given the MADA CEO was truly lacking in manners.
Others pointed to the lack of professionalism in Abdullah’s behaviour, with one saying if the CEO is unable to act in a professional manner, he should just tender his resignation.
The netizen went on to cite former Deputy Prime Minister Tun Musa Hitam who resigned in gentlemanly fashion when unable to work alongside his then superior Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
Some went on to say it was unbecoming for Abdullah as a Muslim not to acknowledge another Muslim’s greeting.
Another asked what the big deal was in shaking the minister’s hand regardless of political affiliations. The commenter joked that Abdullah would sure face difficulties when applying for leave next with higher-ups demanding details.
One netizen though cautioned against making judgements based on a short video clip.
It has to be said, regardless of party affiliations, gentlemanly conduct is to be expected even in the gutter arena of local politics. There can no excuse for Abdullah’s slight against the minister.
As quite a few netizens highlighted, it is a simple courtesy. If Abdullah cannot do so, how is he expected to perform his duties in a professional, objective and unbiased manner?
One netizen suggested that Abdullah be transferred to a position deep in the interior of Sabah so he can observe orang utans for even those primates know how to extend their palms when proffered a handshake. – Oct 2, 2024
