I note a worrying and alarming trend in our local corporate/political scene - that ministers are acting as spokespersons for corporate entities.

First there was Transport Minister Dr Ling Liong Sik who was at pains to explain the ins and out of the baggage system at KLIA and the problems associated with it. Surely this should come from the MAHB people or is it because they could not articulate themselves?

Then comes Human Resources Minister Dr Fong Chan o­nn who defended MAS in their plan to employ Mandarin-speaking stewardess from China following complains from local Chinese organisations. Where are the MAS people?

Recently, Energy, Communications and Multimedia Minister Leo Moggie announced Telekom's new rates. Is that his job? The public and press should be allowed to grill Telekom in their plan and I can bet the bottom dollar that there is no case for the company to increase its rates.

This should stop. All the relevant organisations have their own chairpersons and managing directors - who are paid loads of money - surely, it is they who should speak to the public? Or is it that the ministers wish to hog the limelight.

I am really at pains to understand why ministers paid by taxpayers are doing work for other people. I understand policy announcements is the prerogative of the government but surely operational issues should be left to the professionals concerned.

I also urge government ministers and civil servants not to officiate or launch corporate products as this gives the impression that the government or the relevant ministries endorse the product or service. Will the minister attend my product launch if I ask him? Surely he will not.