Suppose a foreign company — perhaps from Canada — approached officials in another country — Malaysia for example — and presented the following proposal. The company is ready to invest generously in health care programs by building a teaching hospital to train medical students, doctors and nurses at a reasonable cost as well as treating patients at prices easily affordable by all.
The Malaysian government would no doubt welcome the idea, telling the company that they have no objection to such a plan and indeed welcome it, on the condition that medical ethics are adhered to and that Malaysia’s laws are respected and obeyed
Now, imagine the same company coming to our beloved country and making the same proposal. The company would be told at once to look for a kafeel — a sponsor. And a very strong one at that.
The company would respond through an interpreter, “Why do we need a kafeel since it is our money that is going to be invested here? We will build the hospital, provide the equipment and pay the staff’s salaries as well as carry out all maintenance and repair operations.”
Still, the officials in the ministries of health, commerce, higher education and even in the sewage department will tell them that they must have a kafeel.
The company will try again to explain through their interpreter: “We will train the Saudi staff, both males and females, treat your patients and leave behind an investment that will benefit you for years to come.” The official in charge will then reply, this time in perfect English: “My friends, you still need a kafeel.”
Arab News From the Local Press 1 January 2003
