JEDDAH, 24 March 2007 — Saudis welcomed Thursday’s decision taken by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah allowing existing ministers to continue in their posts for another four years, saying this sign of stability would have a positive impact on the Kingdom’s overall progress.
Political and economic analysts said the decision would also serve as a boost to the Kingdom’s five-year plans as well as numerous economic city projects. Four-year extensions were also given to a number of senior officials and presidents of some universities.
Abdullah Al-Saihati, chairman of Saihati Group and a leading businessman in the Eastern Province, said he was happy about the royal decision.
“This is a wise decision from King Abdullah and I wish the ministers every success in carrying out their missions in the right manner,” he told Arab News.
Saihati commended the role played by the existing ministers in implementing a large number of social and economic projects across the country. However, he urged the ministers to move quickly on pending decisions in support of businesses. “Delay in making these decisions will have a negative impact on the economy and welfare of the Saudi people,” he added.
Anwar Baghdadi, a Saudi journalist, said the king’s decision was an appreciation of the ministers’ good work.
“The ministers have contributed a lot to the Kingdom’s rapid social, educational, economic and industrial development. The royal decision shows that the Kingdom will march ahead with its development plans, making bigger strides,” he told Arab News. “Every Cabinet minister has been able to prove his efficiency and has accomplished his plans. This again proves that the king has selected the right man for the right job,” he said.
Baghdadi said the living conditions of Saudis have improved a lot during the last four years as a result of the hard work put in by the ministers. “They have also developed Saudi Arabia, helping it become a place conducive to foreign investment,” he said. He also saluted the ministers for making achievements despite the threats posed by extremism.
The king also issued decrees appointing new heads of the Kingdom’s high court and the customs department.
Sheikh Muhammad ibn Abdullah Shenqiti, the new chief justice of the Court of Grievances, the Kingdom’s civil court, is a well-known legal expert with 33 years of experience in the field of grievances law.
Sheikh Shenqiti obtained a degree in Islamic law from the Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University in 1974 in addition to a diploma from the Institute of Management in legal systems. The sheikh obtained a master’s degree with specialization in the grievances in Islam from the Higher Institute of Justice in 1987.
He joined the Court of the Grievances in 1977. He also occupied positions such as the deputy vice president of the court and head of the Investigations Commission besides several other positions.
The new director general of the Customs, Saleh ibn Manie Al-Khelaiwi, obtained his degree from King Saud University in 1981 and another degree in financial management. Khelaiwi has held several positions in the Ministry of Finance including the position of undersecretary in 2004.
