The Prime Minister also had another piece of advice – all future government events and launches should be simple and moderate. Some ceremonies, he complained, were “way too elaborate,” adding that such functions not only took up much time, but also involved great cost.
These events, he told secretaries-general of ministries and heads of department, should be held moderately as what was more important was how a particular project was going to be implemented.
For a start, the public and private sectors should do away with the kompang bearers and lion dance and nadasuram-mirthangam (Indian trumpet-drum) performers when our leaders go on routine visits to states.
It is their job to inspect projects and meet the people. Such practices are unheard of in other countries as they are reserved only for visiting dignitaries. But in Malaysia, the kaki bodek (apple polishers) have turned such extravagances into a compulsory ritual.
It is commendable to show off our cultural richness from every major ethnic group, but these seem to have become permanent features at every function now. In addition, women and children are made to stand for hours, sometimes under the hot sun, by the organisers to be “petal sprinklers” for a VIP who most times walked by without even showing any sign of appreciation.
School children definitely should not be dragged in to make up the crowd, often in uncomfortable situations. If politicians and members of political parties and social organisations want to show support for a leader, it is fine, but leave the children out.
Pak Lah is right in suggesting there was no need to spend a lot on fancy corsages, which he jokingly said “poke through our clothes when they are placed on us.” It is the same with garlands, if we may add. It is time for Malaysians to discard our obsession with forms and rituals and to focus our energies on substance and action. Expensive ceremonies, which take up our productive energy, do not correspond with calls to make ourselves more efficient.
The new leadership has made it clear – wakil rakyat and officials should be spending their time serving the people and not following him around, especially when their presence is not needed. They will be judged on their performance and results and not on how grand and elaborate their gatherings are.
These events, he told secretaries-general of ministries and heads of department, should be held moderately as what was more important was how a particular project was going to be implemented.
For a start, the public and private sectors should do away with the kompang bearers and lion dance and nadasuram-mirthangam (Indian trumpet-drum) performers when our leaders go on routine visits to states.
It is their job to inspect projects and meet the people. Such practices are unheard of in other countries as they are reserved only for visiting dignitaries. But in Malaysia, the kaki bodek (apple polishers) have turned such extravagances into a compulsory ritual.
It is commendable to show off our cultural richness from every major ethnic group, but these seem to have become permanent features at every function now. In addition, women and children are made to stand for hours, sometimes under the hot sun, by the organisers to be “petal sprinklers” for a VIP who most times walked by without even showing any sign of appreciation.
School children definitely should not be dragged in to make up the crowd, often in uncomfortable situations. If politicians and members of political parties and social organisations want to show support for a leader, it is fine, but leave the children out.
Pak Lah is right in suggesting there was no need to spend a lot on fancy corsages, which he jokingly said “poke through our clothes when they are placed on us.” It is the same with garlands, if we may add. It is time for Malaysians to discard our obsession with forms and rituals and to focus our energies on substance and action. Expensive ceremonies, which take up our productive energy, do not correspond with calls to make ourselves more efficient.
The new leadership has made it clear – wakil rakyat and officials should be spending their time serving the people and not following him around, especially when their presence is not needed. They will be judged on their performance and results and not on how grand and elaborate their gatherings are.
Source : The Star Online: Pak Lah doesn’t need apple polishers (Wednesday, November 12, 2003)
For the true spirit of 'Malaysia BOLEH!', I'd like to see things changing for the better.
Related reading : Netizen Nades (Sun2Surf)- Implementation that counts (Nov 7, 2003)
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