Vietnam officials faulted for not singing karaoke
HANOI - In Vietnam, where karaoke is not only recreational but also
business etiquette, failing to show your talent can cost you dearly.
Tien Phong (Pioneer) newspaper reported on Wednesday that state oil
monopoly Petrovietnam's financial arm PVFC ordered 21 officials to make
"self-criticism" reports for not singing karaoke at a contract-signing
ceremony near Hanoi on Saturday.
At least eight department heads were facing suspension, said the newspaper,
which also published a letter by the group of officials protesting the
decision as unlawful. "We all thought we had completed our company
obligation and contributed to the success of the ceremony," the letter
said. "We were only thinking of our family back in Hanoi, the kids and the
wives waiting." A company official said, "No one has been laid off yet but
they have to criticise themselves for not participating in collective
activities."
Reuters - June 7, 2006
|