A CHARTERED Airbus A350-900 carrying Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to South Africa became the scene of a spontaneous in-flight media briefing yesterday, after the prime minister unexpectedly invited journalists travelling with him for a mid-air Q&A.
The aircraft was cruising at about 12,192 metres, two hours after leaving Addis Ababa, when Anwar’s senior press secretary, Tunku Nashrul Abaidah, alerted the media that the prime minister was ready to speak. Journalists quickly scrambled for their cameras and recorders at the rear of the cabin.
New Straits times cited that the Prime Minister strolled to the aft galley, greeting startled passengers—including business leaders, CEOs and senior officials—before asking cabin crew for a cup of tea as cameras were set up.
He then took questions for more than an hour, addressing issues such as the controversy involving his political secretary and a support letter for hospital project bidders, as well as the Football Association of Malaysia’s scandal involving naturalised players.
The prime minister later continued in an off-the-record conversation touching on politics and national matters, before posing for photos and selfies with passengers who had gathered to watch the unusual mid-air exchange.
The aircraft landed in Pretoria at about 6.40pm, where Anwar is attending the G20 Leaders Summit on the invitation of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. The visit runs until 23 November, with Malaysia participating as Asean chair for 2025.
Anwar, also the finance minister, is accompanied by Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, senior officials and a business delegation. The group will continue to Nairobi on 23 November for an official visit before returning home.
