'No gifts' good, but Harapan needs a 'no frills' policy too

COMMENT | It’s well and good that the Pakatan Harapan government has initiated a 'no gift' policy – with the exception of flowers, fruits and food – throughout the cabinet and the civil service.

This policy, enforced in June last year, is commendable. So far, two ministers publicly declined gifts presented to them at events they officiated.

But gifts of mobile phones or paintings, as rejected by ministers Anthony Loke and Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, are nothing compared to what is spent by event organisers in planning to host guests of honour, usually ministers.

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has made it clear that the no-gift policy is to ensure transparency and accountability, and that ministers and civil servants have to report the acceptance of gifts, entertainment and payment.

The Harapan government should take it a step further by introducing a 'no frills' policy during events officiated by ministers and senior civil servants.

It is common knowledge that organisers of events go to great lengths to host grand and impressive dos, wasting a lot of resources in the process. It doesn’t matter whether it is private or public funds. Money gone to waste is still money which could otherwise be utilised for more meaningful purposes.

What do I mean by a 'no frills' policy? Simple, think budget airline. It provides only the essentials to keep costs low. There is nothing fancy, elaborate or luxurious.

Harapan ministers should inform their hosts that there is no necessity for any fanfare when they are invited to grace their functions...