I write in response to M Bakri Musa's column on the inefficiencies of the civil service. Red tape is common of bureaucracies and government offices worldwide, but the extent of our inefficiencies relates to the poor attitude and morale in government. As Bakri said, some are control freaks but with this control comes power and with the power comes opportunity for graft.

Of late I had the unfortunate opportunity of visiting the Malaysian Embassy in Washington DC to chase up my passport application, which was submitted nine months ago. Since I have not heard a single word on my application, I had no choice but to go to the heart of Malaysian administration of foreign affairs in US.

Yet, every question posed to the officer there was replied with a simple three words: "I don't know." It was obvious that no amount of persuasion was going to get this Malaysian government servant to find out more or provide a little help. He was not going to do anymore than he was doing, which was nothing.

To illustrate further my point about the civil service attitude, we noted that former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad's official portrait was still there in the waiting hall. Even worse was the late Sultan of Selangor's picture as the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia. The spring cleaning will only happen when the foreign minister comes visiting. When we asked the same apathetic officer why they have not changed the portraits, he said: "nobody complained, so no need to change." If he was my employee in my company, he would have been fired on the spot. I hope the foreign ministry will look into this matter.