Report from Tribunnews.com journalist, Fransiskus Adhiyuda
TRIBUNNEWS.COM, JAKARTA – Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad congratulated the Fifth President of the Republic of Indonesia who is also the General Chair of PDIP Megawati Soekarnoputri on her honorary doctorate degree from Universiti Tun Abdul Rahman (UTAR), Selangor, Malaysia.
Mahathir conveyed this during a casual conversation with Megawati in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Tuesday (3/10/2023).
Also present at the meeting were Megawati’s son, M. Rizki Pratama, and her daughter, who is also the Chair of the DPR, Puan Maharani. The atmosphere of the meeting was very friendly and they asked each other how they were doing.
Also read: The warm moment when Megawati and Mahathir Mohamad talked for an hour, what was discussed?
“Yesterday Mother received her doctorate degree. Congratulations, congratulations,” said Mahathir.
Mahathir explained that he had just visited Medan, North Sumatra. Because his wife Siti Hasmah still has many relatives there.
Megawati praised Mahathir, who is 98 years old and is still in good health.
“He still looks healthy, thank God,” said Megawati.
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Every time he goes to Jakarta, Mahathir says he likes to eat at Minang restaurants.
“When I go to Jakarta, I often go to Minang restaurant, I like rendang,” he said, laughing.
Megawati also responded that she knew Mahathir liked to stop at a restaurant on Jalan Sabang, Jakarta.
“Later I will send rendang. Do you like spicy or not,” asked Megawati.
Mahathir also said that he prefers rendang that is not spicy.
Apart from chatting casually, Mahathir also asked about political news in Indonesia.
Megawati also explained that Indonesia would hold elections in February 2024.
Mahathir mentioned that Indonesia is vast and has a large population. Puan said Indonesia’s population is currently 281 million.
“Malaysia only 33 million,” replied Mahathir with a smile.
Also read: The Moment Megawati Meets Purwati, a PDIP Sympathizer Who Works at the UTAR Malaysia Campus
As is known, Megawati’s presence in Malaysia was partly to receive an honoris causa degree from Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR).
Megawati on that occasion expressed her gratitude for the title she received from UTAR Malaysia.
“We offer our thanks to the presence of Almighty God, Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala, for conferring the title of Honorary Doctorate in the field of social sciences on me from Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman,” said Megawati in her speech.
