The formation of the panel, which will be directly linked to the governorate, has been welcomed by human rights activists and the general public.

Mahfouz Bin-Mahfouz, a legal expert and former deputy chairman of Makkah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the governor’s decision would contribute to ensuring transparency in government dealings.

“It will also support the government’s economic and social reforms and enhance financial and administrative discipline in all government departments in Makkah province,” he said.

Majed Garoub, chairman of the National Committee for Lawyers, said Prince Khaled’s decision came in line with government’s efforts to combat corruption.

“The Council of Ministers has approved a national strategy to ensure transparency and combat corruption,” he pointed out.

Prince Khaled’s decision goes in line with the national anti-graft strategy. The panel set up by the governor would monitor the activities of government officials and find out whether they take any bribes for completing various official procedures.

Essam Al-Shanti, a political analyst who follows up developments in the province, said the decision would have great impact on governance. He hoped that all government departments would take such decisions to protect public interests.

Prince Khaled’s decision comes after a number of municipality officials as well as contractors were held and questioned following the Nov. 25 deluge in Jeddah.

Hussein Al-Sharief, director of the National Society for Human Rights in Makkah province, welcomed the governor’s move.

“Any decision that increases transparency in government departments would have positive results benefiting the public,” he said.

Al-Sharief called for activating the National Strategy to Combat Corruption in order to flush out corrupt officials in various parts of the country.