INTERVIEW | Mention the name "Ahmad Faizal Azumu" and those who know the man would immediately point out his laidback personality and good humour.

Nowadays, he has become a household name. Almost everyone, especially those who keep abreast of the nation's political developments, knows the 48-year-old by name.

On May 12, just a few days after the historic 14th general election, Faizal's life changed when he was sworn in as the new Perak menteri besar.

Four months later, Malaysiakini caught up with the Chenderiang assemblyperson, during which the Ipoh-born leader admitted that he is still warming up to the role of public life while trying to fulfil his obligations as best as he could.

"It isn't easy adjusting, and I empathise with our Defence Minister Mat Sabu (Mohamad Sabu) when he said he was having a hard time getting familiar with all the protocols. Protocols are not too foreign to me, but I am usually more laidback.

"At one time, I started to play with my handphone and began swinging my legs when on stage and I was told: 'YB, please stop swinging your legs'. So I stopped," he recalled with a laugh during the interview with Malaysiakini in Kuala Lumpur last week.

Even so, Faizal, who is also the Tambun MP, stressed that that is just how he carries himself. However, when it comes to work, he gave his assurance that he takes his role very seriously, especially during Dewan Rakyat and state assembly sessions, and during meetings.

"People may say, 'he should be more serious' but look at me in the Dewan Rakyat, I am very serious..."