Malaysian PM Mahathir sparks Bata frenzy after viral photo of him wearing S$4 sandals

Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was spotted clad in a pair of brown Bata sandals, prompting the shoe brand to share a picture of it and tout it as the hottest accessory this Ramadan. PHOTOS: FACEBOOK/BATA, INSTAGRAM/AZRAN SHAH

PETALING JAYA (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - With the new Education Minister, it is first to Bata and then to school.

Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who also holds the Education portfolio, was spotted clad in a pair of brown Bata sandals, leading many online to praise his thrifty ways.

This prompted the shoe brand, posting on its Facebook page on Thursday (May 17), to share a picture of the sandals, touting it as the hottest accessory this Ramadan.

"Ramadan 2018 hottest selling accessory, as worn by Tun M! Check it out at your nearest Bata outlets or our online store," read the caption.

The sandals retail for RM11.99 (S$4) and are available in sizes 5 to 9.

According to a news portal, the sandals were first spotted by Instagram user @azranshah, who posted a photo of Dr Mahathir and his footwear at the Perdana Leadership Foundation in Putrajaya.

"Saw this from a friend's story, our humble Tun need no Gucci or Hermes, just Bata is good to go. Love you Tun," he said in a post, with a scribbled red arrow pointing at the sandals.

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