Salman ... and keenness about accuracy of data
We always say Prince Salman bin Abdul Aziz is a friend of journalists. In fact, he is not a friend of journalists alone but of everyone who deals with words, whether they are historians, researchers or writers.
In a nutshell, he is a friend of those who provide correct data. When he reads an article, a piece of research or listens to a radio program, Prince Salman is keen to make the writer or speaker aware of any incorrect or inaccurate information he or she might have used.
He will add the correct data or at least ask the writer about his sources. This is his innate nature.
If we write a piece of historic research, we find the people who are keen on accuracy are always great leaders with wide knowledge and a sense of culture in all fields. They attain the success people not bothered about the accuracy of information will never achieve.
From here, I say Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah’s choice of Prince Salman as his crown prince in place of the late Prince Naif bin Abdul Aziz was received really well throughout society. Prince Salman is most capable in understanding the requirements of the current phase of the Kingdom’s development and the local, regional and international challenges.
Going back to his concern about accurate data, we have on many occasions read a clarification by Prince Salman about a particular piece of information. He would clarify it with the most subtle and lucid language. This great man does not see anything but the general interest.
He is not distracted by the burdens of getting the minute details right. In this sense, Prince Salman has a connection with each writer or thinker.
He is the first reader of the Saudi media and his concerns are not limited to specific areas or certain patterns. He asks about big and important issues without ignoring the small and simple ones.
I remember I had written an article about the cotton plant named “Huraimilah.” I mentioned that it was a splendid species that was used to make pillows for the sultans in the olden times.
The next thing I know, I received a call asking me to check my sources. Apart from this incident, me and other writers, historians and researchers have received remarks, observations and questions from Prince Salman, especially when the matter concerns the history of our homeland.
This is but one aspect of Prince Salman’s great personality. He has other appealing characteristics including firmness, accuracy, and punctuality and closely following up projects.
He has succeeded not only in building our country’s capital but also in the charity and humanitarian fields.
Thanks to Brothers in Kuwait
I must say a word of thanks to our brothers in the Kuwaiti media for their noble attitude toward the Saudi people when they lost Prince Naif. The main TV station in Kuwait suspended all its usual programs for the past few days to mourn the late prince. The station presented talks and conducted interviews about Prince Naif not only in Kuwait but also a number of Arab and world capitals. Al-Watan, a private station, did the same.
My deepest thanks and appreciation to the brothers in Kuwait for their warm feelings and condolences.
- (Courtesy of Al-Eqtisadiah newspaper)
