I have a deep-rooted conviction that the mayor of Jeddah does not know how to deal with the media. Every time he gives a press statement, he makes things worse — as if Jeddah needs more confusion!
I consider his latest press statement as further proof of his extremely irritable condition. In it he said the renewal of his term as chairman of the Jeddah Development and Urban Recreation Company by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah was a suitable reply to the pens that criticize him.
While congratulating the mayor on this precious royal confidence, we would like to remind him that all ministers, senior government officials, members of the Shoura Council and heads of big national organizations have their positions renewed through supreme royal confidence, but this does not mean that they are above criticism. Instead, it means that they are answerable for the way they manage their affairs first to Allah and then to the king and the homeland.
We journalists are living in the reign of our precious father King Abdullah under whose command the level of the press freedom has risen.
The press has become an integral partner in development, the process of reform and national dialogue. Therefore, I do not believe that any organization would develop if it rejects criticism and puts a steel barrier between it and the press.
I do not know how the mayor interpreted the expression of royal confidence vested in him. Is it a shield that makes him immune to criticism from the press? Does the reappointment of a minister necessarily mean it is a reply to those who criticize the performance of his ministry?
Is the mayor so irritated by criticism from the media that he is looking for a way to shield himself against it? Does he need such machinations while Jeddah lives through the biggest crisis of its history?
May be the most important question that should be asked here is: Was the mayor expecting the press to hail the performance of the municipality after the flood disaster?
