The report highlighted the criticism voiced by Shoura President Abdullah bin Muhammad Al-Asheikh against some members of the council. He condemned the interpositions of some members with phrases such as “wasting of time,” “there is nothing new in them” and “some of these interjections bring about no results.”

He also stressed that the objective of starting deliberations about any agreement or memorandum should be to shed light on the depth of the subject as well as to add something new to it. The deliberations should not be aimed at repeating what the chairman of the subcommittee had observed on the topic, he cautioned.

The Shoura president continued: “Under article 22 of the Shoura bylaw, it is in the jurisdiction of the president to fix the timing for opening and concluding the Shoura sessions.” He compared the timing of the Shoura sessions with that of school students, saying they begin at 10 a.m. and end at 3 p.m.

I was bewildered to see how the Shoura president managed to come out of playing his significant role. We knew him as a wise, calm and composed man. He was now criticizing prominent figures with juristic backgrounds, well known for their efficiency and expertise.

No doubt, the situation was extremely unbearable for the Shoura president. He was apparently highly provoked to criticize others and belie his stature as a quiet man.

Saudi citizens have no basic problems with either the Shoura Council or any of its members, as they do not think that the efforts of the council impact their day-to-day lives. Most of the people do not have much confidence in it.

The “uprising” of the president may enliven the aspirations of council members. I hope the school students will not protest for comparing them with the Shoura members, when the Shoura president tries to belittle the role being played by its respectable members. May Allah delight the eyes of the president with unrepeated interpositions of the members and help mitigate their wasting of time.