The Ministry of Justice has taken disciplinary action against more than 20,000 employees for showing negligence in their work during the last two years. Of the number, 130 officials were sacked from their post, a press report said Wednesday, quoting informed sources.

“About 20,000 officials have undergone disciplinary action for being absent during work hours and showing negligence in carrying out their responsibilities,” Al-Madinah Arabic daily reported, quoting a ministry source. “Such disciplinary actions were taken only after completing the necessary legal procedures,” the source said.

The source pointed out that 7,139 officials were punished during the year 1431H (2010), while 7,895 faced punitive action in 1432H (2011). Moreover, 4,971 officials have been punished during the current year. He did, however, disclose plans to appoint more officials to fill vacancies.

The source said Justice Minister Muhammad Al-Eissa has instructed all ministry officials to perform their duties in the best manner possible in order to protect the rights of citizens and residents. “The ministry will not tolerate any breach of duty from the part of its officials,” he added.

“The ministry has constituted a disciplinary committee to take action against those officers who violate the rules and regulations related to work … the committee will examine all cases related to negligence of duty by the ministry’s employees to take appropriate actions,” he added.

Meanwhile, a legal source said authorizing judges at some courts to act as a notary public office was legal in accordance with the law because a judge can do the duty of a notary public, not otherwise. However, he pointed out that a judge could appoint a notary public if he was unable to cope with the amount of work.