Several groups reacted positively to the directive for ministries and government departments to refrain from placing newspaper advertisements thanking VIPs and dignitaries for attending or launching their events.

Chief Secretary to the Government Mohd Sidek Hassan was reported today to have issued the directive in a circular dated June 7, saying the money used for placing such advertisements could be better used for other more beneficial purposes.

Responding to the directive, Public Accounts Committee's (PAC) deputy chairperson Dr Tan Seng Giaw said it was welcome news as there were cheaper modes of expressing appreciation, such as through mobile text messages, cards, e-mail, telephone calls, or fax.

"It seems a like form of bribery which is not acceptable. What is the point of spending such large amounts to place such advertisements over one or two pages," he told malaysiakini.

Unethical

The Consumer Association of Subang and Shah Alam (Cassa) also welcomed the directive.

"Government ministries and departments should focus more on doing their work and utilising the money in a better way," its chairperson Jacob George said.

"Such a practice (of placing congratulatory advertisements) is unethical," he said.

The circular was posted on the website of the Office of the Prime Minister, was addressed to all ministry secretaries-general, federal-level heads of department, state government secretaries, and heads of statutory bodies, reported the New Straits Times.