Makkah Gov. Prince Mishaal bin Abdullah on Sunday launched the National Anti-Corruption Commission (Nazaha) office in Jeddah in the presence of Mohammed Al-Sharief, president of Nazaha, and senior government officials.

Prince Mishaal wished success for Nazaha’s endeavors to eradicate financial and administrative corruption from the Kingdom, realizing Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah’s vision.

“I take this opportunity to advise everybody to work sincerely to realize the commission’s objectives,” the governor said.

Speaking at the function, Al-Sharief thanked Prince Mishaal for opening the office and commended King Abdullah’s efforts to combat corruption.

“We are living in the era of King Abdullah, the man of reforms and a fighter of corruption,” Al-Sharief said, while praising the king’s efforts to establish justice and fairness within society.

King Abdullah initiated the issuance of the national strategy to protect justice and fight corruption in 1428 and for the formation of the commission in 1432. “It was one of his major reform initiatives,” he said.

Speaking about Nazaha’s bylaw, which has linked the organization directly with the king, Al-Sharief said it reflects the great importance King Abdullah has given to the commission.

“It is a totally independent body, which cannot be influenced by any agency. No one can interfere in its affairs,” he pointed out.

The president emphasized the organization’s efforts in establishing fairness and transparency and fighting financial and administrative corruption. “Our activities cover all government institutions without exception,” he said.

Al-Sharief said the commission would continue its efforts to eradicate corruption from the country and protect public interests.

“Our main focus will be on implementing a national strategy to safeguard fairness and fight corruption and set up mechanisms to achieve its goals,” the president said.

He urged the cooperation of the private and public sectors and civil society institutions with Nazaha in its efforts to fight corruption.