Premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi made clear of his determination to cut red tape and get rid of corruption in the public services.

He has now directed heads of state to set up committees to find ways to accomplish the task. The next day, we heard state menteri besar coming out in droves to praise Pak Lah for his boldness and farsightedness in coming up with this directives.

I read this piece of news with exasperation. As heads of state, isn't it their responsibility to ensure that governmental machinery under their charge run smoothly without any hitch and without any room for corruption?

The menteri besars are in fact admitting that they have been sleeping on heir job, or were afraid to do anything to curb the menace. It only proves to the world that our menteri besars are just parrots.

Hopefully, Pak Lah will do something to get rid of these parrots and replace them with those who are ready and really wanting to serve the people.