HAYAT Arabic daily said in 2005 that the higher authorities in the country had issued clear-cut instructions to high ranking officials and ministers that they must use Saudi Arabian Airlines (or other commercial carriers) instead of hiring private jets when they go abroad on government business. The instructions also tell them that they should only use the royal fleet if the task which they are going abroad for necessitates such luxury. May Allah bless the King, the advocate of righteousness, for saying twice and thrice that the astronomical figures of the travel bills which the national carrier charges ministers and officials make it difficult for a patient in Arar to get a seat to the capital city. I'm definitely not against any official who wishes to pamper himself by traveling in a private jet but this should be at his own expense and not that of others. Of course, it is up to him if he wishes to perceive the first–class ticket given to him by the government as below his status. But it is not his right to travel on a private jet for no other reason than to satisfy his ego. Of course there is nothing stopping him from using one of his platinum credit cards to hire a private jet. If he does so, we will pray to Allah for his safety in his departure and arrival. But the problem is exacerbated by the need for officials to travel on any foreign trip with large entourages. Their coterie of advisors and friends often prolong their stays in five-star hotels well beyond the time required for the minister to complete his official engagements. The result is astronomical hotel bills consisting of mysterious expenses well exceeding the travel allowances they will get when they come back home. Those who are keen on these nonsensical displays not only waste public funds but also tarnish our image and present us to the world as proud peacocks. This couldn't be further from the truth as we are in fact nothing but featherless birds. __
