KUALA LUMPUR, May 22 ― Veteran politician Mohamad Sabu today admitted to being "nervous” about his performance first time out as federal minister, but insisted that the protocols that come with his new job would not change his style as a leader.

Mohamad, known popularly as Mat Sabu, clocked in as Defence Minister here for the first time today, travelling all the way from his home in Shah Alam.

"Of course, nervous,” the 63-year-old current Amanah president and former PAS deputy president said when asked about his feelings on his first day in office.

"Now I have to follow rules and protocols, I am someone who is so used to being with the people. But I don't want to change the style of Mohamad Sabu,” he added, prompting laughter and cheers from the room full of Defence Ministry officials here today.

Mat Sabu had built a reputation as a good orator and was hugely popular on the ceramah circuit prior to Pakatan Harapan's surprise victory in the 14th general elections.

He was among the first batch of Pakatan Harapan leaders who were named by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to be part of his new Cabinet.

"I will decide in this week or so, if I want to move to the official residence,” Mat Sabu said, saying he hasn't made a decision to continue travelling from his family home for his new role.

He also said that he must be more cautious in the public statement he makes due to the importance of the Cabinet portfolio given to him.

"I must make sure that everything that is said is backed by facts. And when I speak, i have to take care of the feelings of other countries, because I am the Defence Minister of Malaysia. Everything I say will be watched closely,” he added.