Newly-minted Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu admitted that he was quite nervous on the first day of his job today.

The Amanah president, who is well known for his laid-back approach and sense of humour, said he will not, however, change his "style".

"Of course I'm nervous. I'm used to living among the rakyat but now I have to follow laws and protocols. This is something new (becoming a minister).

"And then, I also have to adapt to my new lifestyle, but I will not change the Mat Sabu style," he told reporters at the Defence Ministry on Jalan Semarak today, referring to his moniker.

He was responding to a question about his first day at work as a minister.

Mohamad noted that he will have to speak with facts and be more careful with his words from now on in order not to upset neighbouring countries, given that his words would be scrutinised by various parties.

"I am now Amanah president and also the Malaysian defence minister. I have to be more careful now as whatever I say will be seen and studied by friends and foes alike, in the country and outside the country," he said.

Mohamad also did not rule out the possibility of moving house to accommodate his new job as currently, he has to travel quite a distance to get to work.