All for a car!

It is not for the first time in less than four years of the current government's tenure that a minister has resigned. However, it is certainly for the first time that a minister had to quit on account of allegations that amount to what can best be described as lack of probity on his part.

The whole issue revolves around the use of a car, which apparently was not the minister's due. It became even more questionable since the car was provided by a company from whom a great deal is owed by the state on account of damages that was caused during the course of its gas exploration at Tangratilla.

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It must be said that exploiting of facilities and taking undue advantage of one's position, by higher ups in the secretariat and various ministries, from establishments and corporations under them, has become a part of our exploitative feudal culture. And it appears that there is a tacit acquiescence by powers that be in this act. It defies logic that a state minister of the government would have to depend on the corporation under his ministry for his transport. After all, how many cars do top government functionaries need? And since when does a PS or the high-up's son gets to use a car exclusively, in violation of rules and regulations?

While not wishing to make any value judgement on the whole episode, it is difficult not to take note of what has appeared in the press regarding the goings on in the ministry of energy and on certain decisions of the minister regarding the company in question.

We suggest that an investigation be carried out to clear the ministry's closet of any skeletons that might still be there. It must be done not only for the sake of the transparency of the government, but also for the country's interest.