Welcome to their Fake World

Before my departure I had to make a trip to the Ministry Of Health, as I had a meeting with one of the Directors. The appointment was at 0830 hours and that is the only time they can fit me in, as he is a very busy man, so ok, what to do? I left the house at 0730 hours, dropped my youngest girl to school first, and then off to the destination, accompanied by my second girl. We arrived there at 0815 hours and the parking was crazy.

While we were driving around looking for parking, we just can’t help noticing that majority of the staff force working at this premises was carrying a pink plastic bag, so much so that we started making fun of them. When we entered the reception area of the Ministry, we were greeted by two women, one attending to us and the other one busy talking about what she wanted to eat for breakfast to a security guard. We were given the pass and off to the Director’s office, his secretary was at her table and I introduced myself. It was exactly 0830 hours, however, like many other appointment, you wait again.

Well, I am not going to talk about my meeting with the Director, but about what the regular lifestyle of government servants there is. First, the very evident similarity in many government offices, be it a Minister’s office or otherwise are colorful cheap plastic flowers, dust infested plastic trees and plant, green slimy fish tanks and top most a small garden with water fountain (this is a must). Imagine and figure that out.

Then, you can’t help noticing the tiny staff cubicles; they will be plastered with pictures, friends, boyfriends, girlfriends, husband, wife and kids, and some post its, you will also see plastic flowers again (yes plastic flowers), small baskets, cheap vases etc, then the PC, so you can guess a very small portion of the table and board is being dedicated to working materials. (Point 1 – how much is work).

At 0830 hours, ¾ of the tables are still empty, or if there are, some will be busy talking while eating their breakfast, then they will go to the pantry to wash their spoons, make coffee/tea (chat again) and already making plans what time to meet for morning tea, and finally they will be seen smiling or frowning at their table at about 1000 hours. Hardly warming the chair, they will be ready to leave for morning tea, back from morning tea, browse through some papers then it is lunch, though lunch is from 1300 – 1400 hours, most will leave their table as early as 1230 hours. You can’t help but wonder when do they work? (Point 2 – how much is work). The ritual will repeat for afternoon tea as well.

After lunch some will take time for prayers, the women will have to wash off their make-up, take the ablution then do the prayers, some however will continue chatting after the prayer and some will nap for at least 15 minutes. (Point 3 – how much is work).

While you are sitting and waiting at any government office, just see how these people are dressed. They wear the same baju kurung, kebaya, kurung kedah in bright colors; bling bling head covers (hijab), heavy thick necklaces, chunks of bracelets and bright red lip colors. My husband once commented that, these people looked as though they are produced from a factory line. And whenever an outsider/visitor enter the office dressing different from the norm, their eyes will pop out and they will start whispering, not enough, they will even call the rest of the staff to come and look.

If you go to one of these offices, please be ready to be rejected for any assistance, as the person/staff in charge of the so called department is on leave (be it emergency, medical or annual). They will just tell you, oh sorry, we don’t know, can you please come back when so or so is back at work.

What more can I say but welcome to their world of laziness, corruption and stupidity. Yeah, I will next blog about such idiocy that has gone to the head of even the HOD. Tungguuuuuuuuuuuuu