RIYADH, 4 May 2003 — Now that there has been a reshuffle in the Cabinet, I would like to address all the newly appointed ministers.
I do not intend to preach or to lecture. But I would like to convey to them some thoughts that have accumulated from my discussions with different people from our society, all of whom have been very optimistic about how new blood in the Cabinet will help push development.
First of all, I would like to welcome the new ministers to their posts and wish them all success in their jobs and the responsibilities that come with them. If you know deep down inside that you are qualified for your ministerial post, be thankful to God. If not, then start working on your flaws if they are capable of being fixed.
In general, try to determine what your positive aspects are and add to them, and also try to minimize your negative qualities. Also bear in mind that there is surely always someone out there who is more qualified than you.
Always remember as well that being chosen for a new position is an honor which should be met with all the necessary responsibilities.
As you enter your office for the first time, stop and take a good look at your chair and think about how many officials have sat there before you, and how many will sit there after you.
Start your new job with a positive spirit, and do not doubt every person’s motivations. Most of all, do not start again from scratch and thereby end up undermining what the minister before you accomplished. Instead, build on the foundations they have already laid. Time is precious, and our country is waiting for improvement.
Do not think that those who were there before you were dumb, did not understand a thing, and that you alone know everything. There will be a time when you as well will leave the office, so do not stab people in the back.
And stay away from exaggerated promises. You do not have Moses’ rod with a wave of which you can change everything instantly.
You should study, and take things slowly; analyze the working area around you. Your stay might not be longer than four years. You should determine your goals.
Beware of removing a member of staff to quickly replace him with someone else.
One of the characteristics you should always follow and keep in mind is not listening to hypocrites and sycophants. I am sure that there will be many of those around you.
Also, try to avoid forming your own closed group within the administration you supervise.
Try to avoid using connections to help someone so you will not end up embarrassed when others use their connections to you to aid someone else.
Lastly, I am sure that you are quite aware that what comes around goes around. Just as you were called and were told the good news of being appointed minister, someone else will receive another call and will be told to replace you when the time comes. Only sincere and honest work, good character, and your public characteristics will be remembered.
Such qualities will be the first thing you will be asked about on that day which awaits us all — when neither money, rank nor position will be of any help.
