Culture of fawning on VIPs should be stopped

OUR country has long suffered from the culture of sucking up to people in high places or very important persons (VIPs) in the Government, including public officials and people’s representatives.

We see this happening at airports where a horde of people would be present to welcome a big shot in the hope of currying favour and business projects.

We see this at functions where the honorifics are long in the introduction, which is just a waste of everyone’s time.

We see this in the demeanour and behaviour of the VIPs themselves, as they think this attention and special treatment from ordinary folks are rightfully due to them.

I think it is high time to put an end to this culture. To start off, every public service VIP should travel economy class just like the rest of us as they are there to serve the people and not to luxuriate in their appointments – unless, of course, if they use their own money to upgrade to business or first class.

Do away with grand and lavish receptions; these are a waste of the taxpayers’ money. Having good food in clean and pleasant surroundings will more than suffice.

Stay in reasonably priced hotels instead of the most expensive ones. Out of station or overseas working trips are not meant for holidays so don’t use them for such. Lastly, the Government must seriously cut out all the wasteful and dishonest use of public funds, and it must begin with the government officials themselves.