PETALING JAYA: After the uproar over Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza’s performance at a Cabinet colleague’s open house, Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu (pic) has tried a different tact with his ministry’s own Hari Raya Open House.
The Agriculture and Food Security Minister will be bringing his own famous headliner – Indonesian singer Hetty Koes Endang – for his ministry’s event in Serdang today.
To prevent possible criticism, Mohamad revealed in a social media post that Hetty had called him and volunteered to come to the event and serenade the audience free of charge as token of their long friendship.
Going by the comments his Facebook post has received, Mohamad’s announcement appears to have headed off any potential brickbats the ministry would have received.
“It is a good thing that Mohamad announced this early and this addresses the perception that a hefty fee was paid for her performance,” said Zamri Zainal Abidin on Facebook.
“He gave an early disclaimer (about the performance),” said another Facebook user, Akmal Roslee, while Mohamad Zalani added: “Mohamad is showing a good example.”
Others were excited at the prospect of seeing the award-winning Indonesian songstress.
“I will surely be there as Ibu Hetty is coming,” said user Nuradi Ikhwan.
Others quipped that Hetty should get the red carpet treatment on arrival.
“Please provide at least a driver, car, hotel and escort. Treat our guest well,” said Asril Norman.
In his original post, Mohamad talked about his friendship with Hetty and a phone call he received from the 67-year-old singer and her husband yesterday morning.
“With the utmost respect and warmth, they both told me of their desire to attend the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri Open house,” Mohamad wrote.
He was also grateful that Hetty said she will volunteer to perform a few songs at the event free of charge.
“For those who don’t know, our family friendship goes back a long way. Every time I visit Jakarta, I make sure to visit her. It’s the same when she is in Kuala Lumpur. Our house is a must-visit for her.
“I extend my heartfelt appreciation to Hetty and her husband for their sincerity and willingness to add joy to the event,” Mohamad added.
The ministry’s open house will take place at the Malaysia Agriculture Expo Park (MAEPS) today beginning 11am.
The Health Ministry was recently criticised and accused of splurging on its Hari Raya Open House, an event that included singers Siti Nurhaliza and Datuk Jamal Abdillah.
Critics and doctors’ group Hartal Doktor Kontrak contrasted the lavishness of the event to the low salaries of healthcare workers and paltry conditions of public hospitals and clinics.
Siti Nurhaliza then issued a statement clarifying that she had volunteered to attend and sing free of charge to show her appreciation for Health Ministry staff and medical frontliners.
Aside from Siti, Malaysian Queen of Rock Ella was also spotted singing at the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry last week.
