Why Do Sycophants Surround Ministers And Top Officials

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AT a recent public forum, former economy minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli recalled his first day at work in his ministerial office. He was surprised by the number of people waiting at his beck and call.
However, Rafizi said the civil servants themselves should not be blamed, having been taught to behave this way.
He expressed hope that more ministers, senior politicians or civil servants do away with these pompous and sometimes wasteful practices, and pointed out that the government’s effort to streamline the civil service and cut down on unnecessary meetings or bureaucracy had also faced resistance.
He called on the rakyat to mock such sycophancy and unnecessary events in the civil service on social media, saying it may help eradicate the current culture of pompous practices.
And continuously poking fun of such practices and making them go viral will get faster reactions from the powers that be in Putrajaya.
Over the past decades, I have attended many events with opening speeches made by a minister or secretary-general, and have drafted some of these speeches that organisers are normally asked to do.
They always start with acknowledging all the VIPs present, which would take what seemed like a full five minutes.
In contrast, I have watched speeches delivered in the United Kingdom, and if the head of government was present, speakers would just say “Mr Prime Minister, ladies and gentlemen”, and go straight to the speech.
They were business-like and focused on the contents whereas in Malaysia, it was more ceremonial to feel grand.

It starts with the arrival of the VVIP. A team from the organiser would try to reserve an elevator so that the minister, after being met on arrival at the driveway, could then walk straight into the lift and emerge on the right floor where there is a holding room, designed specially for VVIPs and entourage to settle down in privacy.
Moments later, they would make a grand entrance to the ballroom with thunderous applause from the audience seated and waiting for some time.
But they are proud to attend an event graced by a minister and dressed for the occasion, with the men getting a chance to put on a jacket and wear a tie, which was normal practice years ago.
The VVIP would be pampered by those surrounding him or her like royalty. In doing so, the small group of people get to feel important and powerful, including the aides and organisers of the event.
This vicious cycle will continue for as long as traits of feudalism remain in our society.
Rafizi rightfully described it as sycophancy, which is being obedient or attentive to an excessive degree to the extent of being servile, much like a slave.
Those who acted this way to VVIPs expect others to treat them like VIPs, by virtue of them being close and able to influence the most powerful.
Some top leaders may be good and clean, but not so for their inner circles. This is not something new but has happened for thousands of years.
For example, Chinese eunuchs wielded great power in the imperial court because of their guaranteed loyalty and ability to act as intermediaries for the emperors.
But today, it is a different cup of tea, as ministers and their aides, and top civil servants normally hold their positions and power for a few years, and would want to make hay while the sun shines.
Hence, it is no surprise that sycophancy is favoured and transparency can be trampled by bureaucracy and protocols.
YS Chan is master trainer for Mesra Malaysia and Travel and Tours Enhancement Course and an Asean Tourism Master Trainer. He is also a tourism and transport business consultant.

The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT. 
- Focus Malaysia.

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