The following is for the record. I leave it to readers to judge for themselves.
One: More than seven months ago, the council of ministers issued a decree calling for the creation of municipal councils with half the members to be elected. A deadline of one year was set for holding elections.
Up to now, there have been no signs that any serious preparations are being made to translate the decision into a reality. Elections require lengthy and painstaking preparations and there is a distinct possibility that the promised elections may not be held as planned and will have to be postponed. Conclusion: We cannot keep promises or honor our own deadlines.
Two: A decision was made some time ago to establish a Saudi Journalists’ Association. A constituent body was set up and entrusted with making arrangements to convene a general assembly which would elect the association’s members. Disagreements prevented the general assembly from being convened and the selection of members was shelved. The general assembly meeting was postponed over and over because of continued disputes.
The minister of culture and information had to intervene to amend the charter. A new date was fixed but it is still unclear if, or when, the general assembly will be convened. Conclusion: We are unable to carry out a decision and nobody is sure we will keep our promises.
Three: A royal decree was issued calling for the Saudization of taxi drivers. Over a year has passed without the authorities taking the necessary steps toward implementation.
When it became obvious that the decree could not be implemented within the prescribed time limit, it was postponed — not for one, two or six months but for years. So far, there seems to be no serious efforts being made to Saudize the sector. Conclusion: We may be forced to postpone the decree’s implementation indefinitely.
Four: At last the long awaited Saudi stock market is a reality. However, several months later, members of the commission who are supposed to oversee it have yet to be named. Conclusion: Another failure to meet a deadline.
Five: The Saudization of the gold market was postponed again and again and when the decision was finally enforced, many shops had difficulties in complying with the regulations and were forced to close.
Six: For 20 years we have been talking about the privatization of Saudi Arabian Airlines and other government sectors. All we have managed to do so far is to effect a partial privatization of the Saudi Telecom Company. Over the past year, many statements have been issued by the minister of finance promising a floatation of National Commercial Bank shares for public subscription. More than a year later, the promise has yet to be fulfilled. The minister has stopped commenting on the matter.
Now, I leave it to our readers to judge for themselves and draw their own conclusions.
