I am not a newsman by any means. Nor am I employed as such by any news organization here. The columns that readers read in these pages are often the independent ranting and ravings of one who sometimes just cannot or will not understand.

But I must admit to something. The press in recent times has become bolder and truer and more responsible to their profession. Rarely do we get those maddening pieces on the production of dates in the Kingdom or glorified statistics on the achievements of our municipalities or other civil sectors. Or worse yet, the ordeal of reading about another beauty contest featuring of all things, camels! And I for one welcome that.

I have observed that even the local reporters are beginning to sharpen their skills and hone their trade. And even though it is but a small step, it is an energizing one. No longer content with the fare spoon-fed to them by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) or department heads of public service organizations, they are making an effort to dig beneath the crust to get to the unadulterated truth.

A case in point seems to be the effort of a reporter for this very paper, Ms. Sarah Abujadayel. In her piece last Thursday, she described her futile efforts to get some tangible answers on the Makkah school tragedy from several officials of the Presidency of Girls Education. Repeatedly ignored or stonewalled, she nevertheless related her efforts for all to read. I do hope for our sake and for the safety of schoolchildren everywhere that this reporter finally perseveres in getting to the answers relating to this issue.

The effectual administration of the various public sector organizations has long been overlooked by our colleagues in journalism. Critical reporting and analysis had rarely been the norm in the past. And while still in its infancy, this trend toward more aggressive reporting based on facts is indeed very refreshing.

Public sector officials must today wake up and sense the dawn of a new era in reporting. One that will endow them with accolades when the goodwill of the people is taken into consideration. But also one that will bite back at the incompetence and failures of these salaried officials when the goodwill of people is blatantly ignored.

For example, do we have to wait for the heat of the summer before our airport director acts on the state of the oppressive and stifling atmosphere at the airport terminals due to ineffective air-conditioning? Has the problem been fixed? Or are the several committees that have been formed over the past few years to address this simple issue any closer in getting to a solution? Perhaps an eager reporter should grab this lead and pursue it beyond a bland and shallow PR statement from the airport authorities.

And quite often, statements are published by officials that smack of the incredulous! The minister of justice recently told a local newspaper that judges and I quote, “Have the right to come late to work whenever they wish, since they are not subject to normal working hours.” He was responding to rising complaints from the public about the absence of these public servants during duty hours. It seems that countless productive hours dwindle away as the public waits for these officials to report to duty and clear up a simple matter.

And not content to let it go at that, he continued, “The judge has a right to come late until he feels confident of his ability to work without being influenced by other matters.” The minister added that a judge knows God better than the general public. “When a judge feels himself ready in every way to work, you will see him in his office,” he added.

Cringingly, as I write the latter part of this column, I find myself getting less and less ready for anything remotely resembling work. I shall probably bury myself under a dark and heavy blanket for the remainder of the week seeking solace and compassion. Perhaps that will boost my spiritual closeness and confidence. Maybe then I shall make my presence known at my place of work!

— Tariq A. Al-Maeena, [email protected]