The increase in funds was swiftly approved by the majority of Shoura members after the Committee on Islamic Affairs submitted its observations on the annual report presented by the Haia on Sunday. The session was chaired by Shoura Council President Abdullah Al-Asheikh.
Shoura Council Secretary-General Muhammad Al-Ghamdi said the council appreciated the services rendered by the Haia toward the prevention of vices. Endorsing its activities, the council recommended additional finances for its moral education programs, which include awareness programs against vices such as crimes, brewing and consumption of alcohol and the practice of black magic.
The secretary-general said it is expected that the Haia will coordinate with other relevant governmental agencies in the implementation of its awareness programs.
At the beginning of the session, the house congratulated Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah on the budget. The house said that the new budget was designed to improve the standard of living of citizens and promote sustainable development throughout the country. The members pledged that they would coordinate with other relevant bodies in the implementation of the budget proposals.
The SR690 billion budget presented by King Abdullah has characterized the state’s spending plans as a recipe for growth and jobs for Saudis. The most obvious demonstration of this is in the SR265 billion allocated for new development projects, as well as for the completion of existing ones. Funds have been earmarked for no less than 700 new schools, new university campuses and vocational and technical training projects, as well as 17 new hospitals, along with sports cities and social care centers. On the social side, the year will also see the construction of 500,000 new housing units at a cost of SR250 billion.
During a subsequent discussions, the members stressed the need for a comprehensive personal database of all individuals in the Kingdom. The members said that such a database should include national identity card, credit card and mobile phone numbers, addresses and personal data such as health insurance and the health status of the individual. The members said that including such details could prove useful for e-government activities and to promote electronic communication within the Kingdom.
