Most ministries have told their PR departments to refrain from making statements either to the print or electronic media. Only spokesmen at the ministries’ headquarters in Riyadh are authorized to speak to the media.

"This arbitrary decision would prevent us from executing our duties properly," one official told Arab News, on condition of anonymity.

"The directive is the result of untrue and reckless statements made by some public relations officials in the past. However, this move would aggravate such tendencies rather than put an end to them. It will increase the risk of stories based on damaging leaks appearing in the media."

The government decision has also angered journalists.

"Imposing restrictions on talking to reliable sources to obtain information is virtually tantamount to denying freedom of press, albeit in an indirect manner.

This move would prevent reporters from getting quotes to authenticate information they include in news reports," one journalist told Arab News.

He said obtaining access to ministry spokesmen was difficult.

"Some of these spokesmen will not answer queries over the phone. Even if they talk, they then give the excuse that they are not in a position to give a prompt and definite reply," he said.

The reporter, speaking anonymously, said some government officials asked reporters to write their queries in formal letters and then fax them.

"When we do that, we sometimes get replies after a week or more. By that time, the whole situation might have changed and the story no longer has any news value," he said.

Editorial director of Okaz daily Hadi Al-Faqeeh claimed the new directive demonstrates a lack of understanding about media work and the role of the press.

"It is unfortunate that the concerned officials only strive to obtain prominent coverage for a positive news story about a government department.

On the other hand, they try to suppress reports about any wrongdoing or negative tendencies within their organizations," he said.