DID A SENIOR government official scale down her media
engagements after her male counterpart in the ministry allegedly asked the
powers that be to rein her in—for fear that she was overshadowing him? Sources
within the influential ministry whisper that the male counterpart, a powerful
figure and longtime confidant of the boss, allegedly suffers from deep-seated inferiority issues. He is said to have
been visibly uncomfortable with the media attention his female colleague was
receiving, especially in the early days of the administration. Once a prominent
voice in the public eye, the woman suddenly went quiet, abandoning the very
media engagements that helped raise the profile of her department.
***
SPEAKING OF BEING overshadowed
in the corridors of power, there's growing unease in a powerful office over
shifting dynamics. A top official is said to be allegedly
feeling increasingly sidelined, with his closest advisers warning that unless
he speaks up soon, he apparently risks fading into irrelevance—or even losing
his post altogether. The discontent reportedly stems from perceived changes in
the pecking order. Advisers point to a recent high-profile event, where the
said personality was granted a one-on-one meeting with a top state guest, while
their man was nowhere.
***
THE FASHION CHOICES of a figure
closely linked to the power centre have apparently become a quiet
source of embarrassment for insiders. Frequently spotted in supposed
oversized suits and worn-out shoes, the man’s style has sparked murmurs among
handlers of the powers that be. They reportedly lament that, despite having the
means, he allegedly dresses poorly and tarnishes the image of their
boss. One recent overseas event especially drew criticism, as he was purportedly
seen in ill-fitting wear throughout. Handlers are now speculating: is this
simply his personal taste, his wife’s strategy to keep him low-key, or just a
reflection of age catching up?
***
EFFORTS BY A once-embattled
governor to rehabilitate his image in a key region may finally be bearing
fruit. The governor, previously marked out for seemingly
singing discordant tunes, was recently welcomed on a red carpet at a key
ministry, with his requests promptly granted. Sources say he now has top power
figures on speed dial—something unthinkable just months ago, when his apparent
fiery rants against the regime had made him persona non grata. But since his
dramatic change of tune and pledge of loyalty, the tide has turned: his calls
are no longer ignored, state officers respond swiftly to his requests, and talk
of impeachment has mysteriously disappeared. Even a combative senior official
who had taken to holding weekend rallies in the governor’s backyard has
significantly slowed down.
