JEDDAH, 13 July 2006 — Saleh Al-Turki was unanimously elected yesterday the new chairman of the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI), a post which fell vacant following the resignation of Abdullah Al-Muallami two weeks ago.
“There was total unanimity among the members in the election as they wanted to get over the crisis in which the chamber was put following the resignation of the former chairman, particularly as the situation affected the activities of the upcoming Jeddah Summer Festival,” Al-Turki said after the meeting.
Al-Muallami resigned last month following charges over the way in which he conducted the affairs of the chamber. Some critics had accused him of excessive absenteeism, which slowed the development and implementation of major programs, such as the festival.
The new chairman vowed to implement programs that would be beneficial to the local economy. He said the chamber members are grateful to Jeddah Governor Prince Mishaal ibn Majed and Minister of Commerce and Industry Hashim Yamani for their support to the JCCI.
E-Mail Accuses Member
of Strong-Arming Vote
The days before the JCCI chairman’s election witnessed some indirect campaigning among a few board members to win the seat.
After some clear indications and announcements at the start of the conflict that the most likely candidate would be Al-Turki, others insisted that the field was still open to other candidates.
Then an e-mail was circulated in the past few days urging the Jeddah business community not to succumb to the pressure exerted by a certain board member trying to influence the vote. The e-mail claimed that some board members have nominated a member and recommended him in opposition to the majority opinion of the Jeddah business community. The e-mail claimed that a particular member of the board was attempting to influence the selection of the new chairman against the prevailing interest of the majority of the JCCI members.
“We call on the board members who were voted for and appointed not to fall under the pressure practiced by one of the members and go back to listening to the opinions of the Jeddah business community,” the e-mail said.
Arab News was unable to identify the source of the e-mail.
— With input from Maha Akeel
