One way to achieve reform is to ask every retired minister, deputy minister and all those who once held high office to write their memoirs. The written account of their own experience while in office should be frank and fair and must include every single shortcoming, failure or neglect they experienced during their service. The focus should be on the issues these ex-officials feel have caused them great concern and frustration.
We should start with the former ministers of finance, education, water and electricity. We may then extend the list to include other Cabinet members and heads of government departments with financial and administrative responsibilities, especially those closely associated with contracting and procurement. I think such an arrangement would expose mistakes and bring what has been hidden to the surface. Our previous failures and shortcomings would appear right in front of us.
The author must be granted full immunity and protection against any kind of inconvenience. This is the least we can do to people who agreed to speak the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
It is important for the authors to be honest with themselves. They must fear God and remember they were serving their country through this work.
Government departments have been shrouding their work in secrecy and moving with extreme caution and discretion, which has made it extremely difficult to respond to unforeseen circumstances or address a situation as they should. The most they tell us is that everything is fine.
There are many among us who are highly gifted in expression and strongly believe in documenting important events. These people are honest and upright in character, and they are straightforward and ready to record their experience. I trust they will say what they think is right.
This method, by enabling us to identify past shortcomings, will help us move forward. There is still time to reach out to these individuals and start building bridges between former officials and the public.
- Arab News Local Press 22 November 2003
