Officials shamed into obedience

KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: Employees of the Kupang Regency Administration who turn up late for work are being punished by being ordered to sweep the street, each one carrying a huge banner that says "I came to the office late".

Kupang Regent Paul Lawa Rihi said the punishment is intended to put them to shame for tardiness and, hopefully, to get rid of this bad habit once and for all.

The measure is part of the regent's efforts to improve discipline among his staff.

The punishment is being meted out to every late comer, senior and junior employees alike. Pregnant staff however are exempted, Antara reported. (emb)