ALKHOBAR: Bribery can be eliminated by applying the laws strictly and creating public awareness besides an active role by citizens, experts say.

Abdulrahman Al-Zahian, a researcher in legal affairs and public policy, said: “The Saudi anti-bribery law extends to include some criminal offenses and set original, supplementary, and ancillary penalties such as imprisonment, fine, seizure of funds, in addition to denial of public office.”

He said that the ancillary crimes of bribery include recommendation, nepotism, favoritism, and bribing officials, besides abuse of power.

On the negative repercussions of bribery, Al-Zahian said: “It violates the principle of equality and justice, creates a sort of discontent over some government agencies, and leads to institutions’ weakness and ineffectiveness.”

Bandar Al-Muharaj, a lawyer and legal adviser, said: “There is a close relationship between bribery and corruption; so all religions and legislations fought bribery because of its devastating effect on communities.”

He said the social effects of bribery are discrimination and racism, excessive love for money, allowing unqualified people to get higher positions, destroying the spirit of competition, production and excellence.

To eliminate this phenomenon, Al-Muharaj said: “Society should increase awareness about religious, social, economical and scientific cultures that fight bribery. There is need to apply existing legislations and regulations in an effective manner.”

Saoud Al-Subaie, head of the security committee of the Shoura Council, said bribery is one of several corruption offenses, and its impacts have various economic, social, cultural and political dimensions.

“The community should fight corruption through comprehensive reform programs that have strong political and strategic support, based on the diagnosis of the problem.

“We can eliminate this phenomenon through cooperation of government agencies, society and other institutions,” Al-Subaie said.