Saudi Arabia: Meeting new challenges

Published: Mar 5, 2011 

Your Majesty:
As a Saudi national, I am writing to say how pleased I am to see your return to the Kingdom after successful medical treatment abroad. I am sure this feeling is shared by all Saudis, since your citizens not only hold you in high esteem but you are also, in an unprecedented way, very close to the heart of all Saudis and indeed the symbol of reform and stability in our country. What you have done for the Kingdom since you became our king will not be forgotten and will be revered for all time.

Having said that, permit me to candidly express my concern about the many challenges Saudi Arabia faces as never before. As you know, the entire Middle East is experiencing profound political turmoil. Regional events have shown that the power of any ruling system really depends upon how strong, peaceful and transparent is the relation between the regime and its people.

Notwithstanding some positive steps taken in recent years which no one can deny, “reform” too often is regarded as a cliché. Given recent events, our country now needs urgent and more meaningful reform measures, particularly since life nowadays is changing very rapidly and unbelievably.

Politically, inclusive reforms must be introduced by establishing institutions that can be in real partnership with the government. The formation of the Shoura Council is a step forward, but its current role is not up to the huge challenges that the country now faces. It is high time for a real and effective council that can take part in political decision-making. Such an effective institution, if constituted properly, will not be a threat to the country but instead help to reduce your regime’s huge responsibilities which no government ever can bear alone.

Saudi Arabia, like any other countries in the world, must have a social contract where the rights and obligations of each party (individuals and government) are clearly defined. This will never be achieved until there is a formalized national constitution. Without one, personal freedom is not guaranteed, leading to social unrest. The constitution should be derived from the Holy Qur’an.

Moreover, it is time to take the initiative in educating Saudis on the subject of “political rights.” This will allow the Kingdom to differentiate it from other countries where repression exists. Rather than viewing it as a threat, greater political rights will lead to more political stability. Simply stated, if one knows his political rights, he can work with his government to build the nation. If not, he may easily be solicited by terrorist groups or become apathetic and produce no contributions to the nation.

Economically, there is a great need for realistic strategies to solve the Kingdom’s chronic problems. Mostly, strategic development plans are viewed as huge amounts of money that are announced but accomplish little. The central management approach adopted by the government in our administrative and financial systems should be reconsidered. Regional authorities must be given more authority over their projects and affairs. Such decentralization should reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies and embarrassing responses like the Jeddah rain tragedy — an event which should never have occurred in a wealthy nation holding 25% of the world’s oil reserves.

Likewise, our continued overdependence on oil revenue is another important issue that needs to be solved. Reliance on the false joy of increasing oil prices and global demand must end. Alternative sources of revenue must be created immediately. Current unemployment, especially among Saudi youth, has become a worrisome issue with the failure of Saudization efforts and the apparent absence of any other solutions. Housing also represents a serious issue that needs to be addressed.

There is no doubt that the recent measures issued by Your Majesty for the benefit of Saudis worth SR135 billion are welcome, but what the country really needs more than money are meaningful reforms addressing all political, social and economic issues. Although Saudis appreciate your generous initiative, the concern is that this may result in a society that is more dependent on the government and less willing or able to rely upon individual initiatives essential to the overall health of the Kingdom. Even if this initiative is followed by changing governmental officials, this will not resolve the issue. What all Saudis (especially our youth) really need are opportunities, jobs, hope, and real political, economic, and civil reforms promoting the goals of living a decent and productive life and participating in activities that build up Saudi Arabia.

Our courts must also undergo a major review leading to establishing principles for respecting law and the legal system. This can be achieved by developing effective regulations, promoting accountability and transparency, and combating all aspects of corruption so citizens can continue to trust the government. Indeed, corruption along with unemployment must be regarded as Public Enemy No. 1 for the country at this time in its history. I hope that Your Majesty’s excellent initiative aimed at developing the Kingdom’s legal system will result in a totally independent institution and a constitutional court which can be — along with formalizing a national constitution — a valuable addition to the judiciary.

Education needs fundamental strategic solutions to develop a modern education system that is not affected by anyone, especially those who want the country to continue to live in the past. Philosophy, logic, arts, languages and other modern sciences must be promoted and be part of the curriculum from elementary school on.

Socially, some serious decisions need to be made concerning Saudi women and young people, particularly with respect to their freedom and personal choices. To disregard these issues will not serve the long-term interests of the country and will only cause discontent and compromise public security. The Commission for Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of vice is totally unacceptable, not only for a country that is a member of the G-20 but also in the 21st Century. It is now time to abolish this commission, especially since its practice is clearly a violation of Human Rights including the 1948 Human Rights Declaration where each individual is entitled to freedom and dignity. Current religious rhetoric is confusing and is actually sending the wrong message to the world about our progress. I urge Your Majesty to intervene and take the necessary action to reflect the true and positive picture of Islam and Saudi Arabia.

In light of unprecedented information from the Internet and satellite TV channels, it is now impossible to hide what happens in any country. Thus, we need to act proactively rather than defensively to protect our homeland from the political turmoil roiling the Middle East. I am certain that Your Majesty will, as always with your wisdom, enlightened and progressive leadership, and full faith in the Saudi people, make the right decisions for our beloved country.

Thank you very much for your kind attention and time.

Sincerely yours,

Dr. Khalid Alnowaiser