“The learning curve for first-time ministers is high, and we are currently patient and understanding, but not forever,” National Patriots Association (Patriot) president Brig-Gen (Rtd) Mohamed Arshad Raji said in a statement.

He was responding to an article critical of Mohamad, written by one Maj Mior Rosli (Rtd) who was previously the group’s honorary secretary.

Arshad said Mior had made “severe and uncultured criticism” of Mohamad, better known as Mat Sabu, ridiculing his conduct as a person as well as defence minister.

“Patriot holds the view that it is anybody’s right to comment and criticise.

“However, the article has unfortunately raised doubts and consternation among the public and veterans who are unaware that Mior Rosli is no longer the honorary secretary of Patriot and does not speak for Patriot.”

He said the matter was further complicated by the fact that those who shared the post had included a picture of Mior together with other Patriot members.

“Except for a single mention that Mior Rosli was an honorary secretary of Patriot and had tried to speak up using the Patriot platform, he signed off in his own capacity as the author of the article,” Arshad said.

He acknowledged that Patriot too had criticised the PH government following the coalition’s win in the May 9 general election.

However, he said the group’s criticism had always been constructive, fair and balanced.

“When making criticism, we took into consideration the local culture and the social standing of the person concerned. Hence, the language used was measured, appropriate, and with minimum words to convey the message.

“In short, we are aware of the ‘adab’ in the local cultural context,” he said.

He added that representatives from Patriot had met Mat Sabu on two occasions, saying the group believed he and his ministry were trying their best to put things right.