Closure of shops for compulsory prayers is not a basic task of the Haia, according to Sheikh Abdul Latif Al-Asheikh, chief of the Commission for Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice.
“On the other hand, as an executive department the Haia implements the orders issued in this regard by the rulers. The practice has become a custom in our country,” Al-Asheikh said in statement quoted by Al-Jazirah daily yesterday.
Al-Asheikh also said he did not plan to introduce uniform for the organization's members.
There have been suggestions to introduce a uniform for Haia workers so that they could be easily identified and differentiated from unauthorized zealots who pose as its members.
“Any distinctive form of dress for Haia members is not currently under consideration. On the other hand, each of its members carries an identity card on which his name in full, employment number and the branch office where he works are recorded, and anyone can examine them. The card also carries the logo of the Haia. The members use an official vehicle of the commission and are accompanied by police.”
Dispelling the misconception that Haia members work on the basis of individual discretion rather than under a set of regulations, Al-Asheikh said the commission had its own regulations and code of conduct, and each member had his defined roles.
The Haia chief said its field workers regularly contacted their offices for directions on the tasks they were undertaking. There are some codes of conduct on the basis of which they are instructed, he said.
On a question about re-structuring the Haia and attaching it to the country’s police force to serve as a social policing force, Al-Sheikh said the commission was an independent organ supported by the Shariah law. “The Haia’s task is independent from police force, even though there might be some common areas of tasks between them. Its support helps the police perform better,” he said. He added it was the vision of the Kingdom’s rulers since its founding to set up an organization to remove any lack of discipline in the performance of the compulsory prayers and to stop anyone violating others’ rights.
During his talk with the Arabic daily, the sheikh underscored the need for closer cooperation between the media and the Haia. “We maintain good relations with the media because we are convinced of the mission and significance of the media for the development of society.”
He added that the Haia had developed a long-term strategy with the help of academic institutions such as the King Fahd University for Petroleum and Mineral Resources. The Haia also regularly trains its members, so that they undertake their duties without creating bad impressions about it, he said.
The commission is also currently studying if women could be employed as its workers.
On a question about the adverse economic impact caused when the Haia members deny a male head of family entry to amusement parks with his wife and children, the sheikh said detailed studies would be made on the issue and suitable steps taken to ensure the welfare of the people and the country.
