I refer to the grand wedding receptions which the Fire and Rescue Department director-general Jaafar Sidek Thambi hosted for his son.

It has become the trend now among the Malay Malaysian elite to host grand weddings for their children. The benchmark that defines 'grand wedding' has been raised and is still rising. Heads of the uniformed services including the Fire and Rescue Department have enormous resources — be it manpower or equipment — under their jurisdiction.

The chief is within his right to join the trend but not when he uses these resources to gain the 'competitive edge'. Excesses in any form attract negative perception unless one does not care about perception and places no value on the standing of civil servants in the eyes of the public.

Public accountability is the hallmark of an efficient civil service and heads of departments must be seen to be upholding this principle. Blatant display of excesses by top cadre of the civil service and abuse of public property for personal use are signs of decadence.

The housing and local government minister and the chief secretary to the government should take heed of the opposition's concern.