jordan pulse -

​By Dr. Youssef Obeidallah Khreisat
​In a commercial establishment, I chanced to meet a man whose confident gait and calm demeanor stood out, entirely free from the ostentation usually associated with high official rank.
​We engaged in conversation on various topics until I learned that he serves as Secretary-General of a key Jordanian ministry. Surprised, I asked him: "Why are you using your personal car? Where is the government vehicle with its red license plate?"
​He replied that government vehicles are designated strictly for public duties, not personal use, and that he prefers using his private car after work hours to spend time with his family and move freely.
​His direct answer prompted reflection on the boundaries of public office, the distinction between state resources and private affairs, and the vital importance of respecting public funds rather than relying on the trappings of power.
​When the meeting concluded, I attempted to cover the bill as a gesture of hospitality, but he insisted on paying himself—a familiar display of traditional Jordanian generosity.
​I departed reflecting on the broader significance of the encounter. The issue extends beyond a car or a red license plate to how a public official understands the duties of office and maintains a clear line between professional obligations and personal life. Such behavior ought to be standard practice across public administration rather than an exception to be celebrated.
​In Jordan, authenticity, hospitality, and respect for public funds are grounded in deep-rooted social values, and translating them into practical behavior remains a shared responsibility of individuals and institutions alike. High office does not exempt anyone from the rules governing public service, nor should appearances serve as the measure of performance.
​I do not mention the official's name, as the objective is not to offer a personal endorsement or evaluate his overall performance based on a brief meeting, but rather to highlight an everyday instance that underscores the relationship between public office, personal life, and the proper stewardship of state resources.
​The encounter was ordinary in circumstance, yet it offered an opportunity to reflect on the essence of public responsibility: that official roles must have clear boundaries, daily actions should remain aligned with those limits, and integrity must be viewed as an imperative for anyone assuming public trust. Small gestures may not define a person completely, but they provide valuable insight into the values that should govern public service.
​Source: Rum News Agency