In many countries, official motorcades forcing their way through heavy traffic cause frustration among drivers, especially when state officials are abusing their privileges and put themselves above traffic rules on a daily basis. But wait until you hear what one of these officials believes about regular drivers on the street.
Malaysia’s Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism Datuk Hasan Malek said drivers should give way to patrols escorting royalties and VIPs as a sign of respect to the country’s leaders!
According to Live Life Drive, he told The Sun Daily that drivers should give way as the people that are being escorted need to get to their destination on time to perform their official duties.
“I have received complaints that when our Rulers pass, road users just don’t give way. We must put a stop to this, showing respect to our leaders is part of our culture,” said the minister. According to the law, drivers in Malaysia are only required to stop or make room for emergency services.
I don’t know about you, but I’m wondering what century does this man think we’re living in? If traffic is impossible, aren’t state officials more or less responsible for it? Why should they be above the law? Why should a government official arrive at work in time, while the regular citizen has to wait in traffic?
Other countries, however, have cut down on the use of police escorts, limiting them for high security occasions such as state visits. The report gives the UK as an example, with Prime Minister David Cameron sometimes travelling in his armored official car with no escorts, coping with traffic just like everyone else. He has even introduced a new ministerial code aimed at cutting public spending and rebuilding public trust by limiting the use of government vehicles and encouraging ministers to use public transport.
Unfortunately, there aren’t many leaders with this kind of mentality on this matter like Mr. Cameron in the world today.
By Dan Mihalascu
Shout out to Bobby A. for the submission!
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