A recent statement by the secretary-general of the Shoura Council, Dr. Hamoud Al-Badr, suggests that the council may put on indefinite hold a proposal for live television transmission of the council sessions. The Shoura last week began airing a weekly recorded television program on its deliberations, the first such move since its establishment in the early 1990s.
Dr. Al-Badr justified postponing live coverage of the sessions saying that it is feared some members might appear uneasy in front of television cameras. A second reason is that some members might use the opportunity of appearing live on television to promote themselves over other members, especially when debating certain issues.
What the secretary-general has said has brought home to us the extreme caution characteristic of the first generation of Shoura members. Members are instructed not to take any documents, including drafts, outside the Shoura premises and not to disclose to the public details of any of the deliberations. In addition, there is a long general list of dos and don’ts. This kind of rigidity in applying rules is part of the general social education that most, if not all, of us have been subjected to.
There was a time — and it may still be — when children were denied the opportunity of expressing an opinion to elder family members even if there were no harm in what they wanted to say. Children in school are not trained to stand before an audience and give a speech or take part in an open and serious discussion, even if this is done within generally acceptable limits. Any such attempt to carry on in this way has traditionally been viewed with disapproval and suspicion by both parents and teachers.
For parents and the rest of society, well-brought up children are those who sit quietly and meekly in the presence of their elders. They are expected to do nothing except remain silent. Laughing or even smiling before senior family members is a serious and unforgivable offense.
I cannot fault Shoura members if they appear confused and shy before live television cameras. No doubt, it is an embarrassing situation for many of them despite the fact that most have advanced academic and professional qualifications.
As for those who might use the opportunity for self-promotion, I would say with due respect that this idea is intended to undermine some people. Looking at the issue from another perspective, it appears that these members might prove to be the most courageous and have the ability to express themselves and engage in serious discussion. If these members prevail over those who lack the courage to face the camera, then they shouldn’t be blamed. Instead, they should be commended for an outstanding performance.
