JEDDAH, 30 January 2005 — Muhammad Al-Zulfa, a senior Shoura Council member, has called upon the Saudi leadership to take a quick political decision on the appointment of women on the consultative body. He felt there was no justification for the women to kept out.
Al-Zulfa expected inclusion of women as one of the surprises of the upcoming Shoura reshuffle. He was referring to a recent disclosure by Prince Sultan, second deputy premier and minister of defense and aviation, about plans to increase the number of Shoura members from the present 120 to 150 and enhance its powers.
“The state and society must respond to the demands of modern world where we live. Women have achieved high standard of qualification, not less than that of men and deserve to become Shoura members,” Al-Watan quoted Al-Zulfa as saying.
“Many women’s issues are now discussed and tackled on the floor of Shoura in the absence of women,” he said and called for a bold decision in this regard for the Kingdom to march forward.
Al-Zulfa also called for the appointment of youth on the consultative council saying they represent about 60 percent of the country’s population. “We have to allow student unions and councils at universities and colleges to train them to take responsibility and work for the development of society,” he added.
He commended Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd for introducing major political and economic reforms. “We will not be surprised if our leadership known for its farsightedness decides to expand the Shoura Council and increase its powers,” he pointed out.
However, Al-Zulfa was critical of the Shoura for not making full use of its existing powers. “The Shoura must reflect society and should not lag behind in demanding necessary reforms... and I believe that the state will not be late in meeting their demands.”
He said the Shoura must be given the power to monitor the performance of ministries and hold officials accountable for misusing public money. Financial dealings of government departments and agencies must be made transparent, he added.
Dr. Naif Al-Daees, also a Shoura member, said the Shoura members had requested Crown Prince Abdullah and Prince Sultan during their meetings to enhance its powers including the right to know the state’s revenue and question negligent government officials who misuse their powers and public money as well as to discuss the country’s general budget.
Dr. Al-Daees, however, did not favor the idea of holding elections to the Shoura Council in light of the present circumstances in the Kingdom. He is of the opinion that the present system of appointment would make it more balanced representing all sectors of society.
Abdul Mohsen Al-Akkas, another Shoura member, said he expected some 100 new members to join the Shoura after the reshuffle, which is likely to take place in two months.
“According to regulations, at least half the members of the Shoura would be changed after the four-year term. The king can change more than that number,” he added.
