Those Saudis living on limited incomes — who are the overwhelming majority of the population — have welcomed the government’s decision to privatize 20 vital sectors of the economy. They look forward to the implementation in the hope that it will be carried out carefully and diligently to avoid any new burdens being imposed upon them. We trust our government fully and are confident that it is resolved on seeing its people leading prosperous lives.

At the same time, there is concern about the effects of privatization — in view of its possible materialistic nature. Judging from what has been said of privatization, we are all worried about the extension of this materialism into the areas of education and health services.

These are two services which directly affect our lives and which have been provided free of charge to us for decades. We hope that there will be no change in this and that the government will continue to provide them.

We — those living on limited incomes — would like to bring our situation to the attention of economists, educators and health officials as well as all supporting privatization.

They should know that a large number of Saudis have yearly incomes of less than SR75,000. After spending what has to be spent on food, housing, clothing, utilities, transportation plus the usual and often unexpected incidental expenses, many families end up in debt. They then have no choice but to borrow money which of course only exacerbates their problems.

What effect will privatization have on these people? What will they do if education and health are put in the hands of those whose only interest is a large profit? The question most people would ask of those businessmen and financiers who will take over the sectors are: Will you settle for a minimum of profit in the interest of national development? If the answer is a sincere and honest affirmative — though I very much doubt this — then privatization is welcome.

Not however in education and health which benefit all ranging from those with large incomes to the majority with small ones. Even in such countries as Britain, the state provides free or low cost education and health care as well as allowances to unemployed and children. These are provided to all, including foreigners.

Arab News From the Local Press 24 November 2002