Your Excellency, by now people know that you have been chosen as a member in the new Cabinet which has just been announced. From now on, this attractive and tempting title — which may also prove to be a millstone — will precede your name wherever you go. From now on, you are no longer the same person who walked freely in the street and mixed with people. Today you are a personality totally different from the one people have known.
With the news reaching everywhere, you will discover that things around you have suddenly changed. A flood of telephone calls will be made to you and callers, swearing on their honor and calling God to witness, will tell you that you are the most suitable man for the job, that a better qualified individual could not have been found and that the ministry is truly blessed to have you at its head.
You are indeed qualified and trustworthy but you must realize that the majority of callers who offer congratulations are not telling the truth. They may be seeking some favors, knowing that your signature is now valuable and they must have it for their paper work to be processed.
Returning home from an evening party, you will find that a very ample parking space has been kept for you — where formerly you had to circle round the area several times in search of a place to park. The residents of the neighborhood will meet to discuss in minute detail how you can be honored. Animals will be slaughtered and a huge feast thrown. These are the same people, should you need reminding, who barely said “Salaam Alaikum” or returned a greeting when meeting you prior to your elevation.
From this day onward, you needn’t bother about going out for groceries or visiting a pharmacy to buy medicine for your family. Everything will be taken care of and there will always be someone ready to help and do what needs to be done. You won’t have to wait to meet anybody and people will rush to you, hoping you can grant them a few minutes to listen to what they say.
One day you may return home to find that everyone in the house has become a minister and has even begun acting like one. That will signal real disaster unless you act swiftly and firmly to restrain such great expectations.
Arab News From the Local Press 4 May 2003
