Does Nik Aziz of Kelate travel 1st class too?

Sometimes it makes sense, sometimes it does not.

I remember an episode a friend in the civil service told me many years ago.

There was this middle level civil service officer who was asked to join a trade mission to several European countries. Being junior, he travelled economy class whilst his bosses and members of the private sector in the rombongan all travelled First and Business class.

What happened was when they arrived at London their first stop, he was the LAST person to emerge from the airport as all the other senior fellows had got out much, much earlier from the Immigration, Baggage Reclaim and Customs. They all had to wait for him on their exclusive chartered busses. He felt honoured but was also quite embarrassed.

Will LGE hold up any future rombongans that he might lead in the future? Or will everyone downwards now have to travel economy class despite what their contracts of employment might say as to their entitlements?

As far as I know, very senior civil servants and heads of statutory boards and the like etc etc can travel Business class at least. Nothing wrong with that as it befits their positions.

But what then is the issue?

It is the ABUSE of these privileges. Like the chap who keeps travelling on the faintest excuse and run up huge bills well beyond the budget. And he brings alot of hangers on with him all the time. And claim all kinds of re-imbursements. And leads the good life with no results to show.

I remember Bill Gates of Microsoft once used to travel economy class but he has since progressed upwards. I also recall a Chairman of a Plc who is entitled to a suite whenever he travelled. But he always asks his Secretary to book him a decent Superior room as that is all he needs and he makes full use of the free executive floor business facilities for his meetings.

In LGE’s case, I think he did the right thing. The KL-Penang route is hardly a hour’s flight so travelling First or Business Class does not make sense. I know of companies that require ALL staff to travel Economy class if the flights are less than 3 hours and Business class if more than 3 hours if they are so entitled to.

But there are also companies who require their staff to uphold the image of their companies. If they are entitled to travel First Class, then they MUST travel first class. Its not about saving money but upholding their companies’ reputation and name.

I am also sure that some airlines do give special rates for Government officials for travel. So LGE should check whether he is entilted to First class tickets at special rates and he should take advantage of this if the amount is reasonable. He needs to uphold the dignity of his office and position.

I know for a fact that many hotels in this country have very, very special room rates for the government, rates the general public can only dream of. No harm taking advantage of these if you are on official business.

So if one wants to be picky, then the PR government should also forego the many “wasteful” benefits like drivers, gardeners, house maintenence etc etc. They can travel by bus or drive themselves. Entertainment expenses should be on re-imbursement basis and justified and NOT be given as an allowance or additional income. Also, cut off all the “clothing” income. Spend your own money.

So let us all hope the PR governments can come up with acceptable practices.