Shoura focus on burning issues urged

Saudi university students have called on the new Shoura Council to take up the issues of common people and improve the country’s education system in order to catch up with speedy global developments.
They were delighted over the appointment of women on the Shoura Council by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, expressing hope that women would be able to enrich the council’s discussions.
Speaking to Arab News, Abdul Aziz Al-Omari, an electrical engineering student of King Abdulaziz University, said most Shoura decisions are not implemented. “We don’t see any impact of the Shoura on the ground.”
Al-Omari added: “The Shoura should focus on issues that affect the general public such as unemployment, inflation and increase in house rent and find speedy solutions for them.”
He also urged the Shoura to increase the monthly allowances being distributed among university students.
“The allowance we receive today is small. It was fixed years ago and has not been adjusted against inflation.”
Dhaifallah Al-Otaibi, another student, supported the present system of appointing Shoura members by the king. “King Abdullah selects the best people for the Shoura and the system has been working successfully.”
Al-Otaibi denounced the Western perception about Saudi women. “Our women are the most honored in the world,” he said, dismissing suggestions that they are oppressed. “Women’s rights are protected in the Kingdom.”
Saleh Al-Khathami, a final year student of power engineering, stressed the need for representation of the ordinary people in the Shoura to make their voices heard.
“At least 30 percent of the Shoura members should represent the ordinary people,” he told Arab News. “The Western media has been giving a bad picture of Saudi women because they don’t know the Saudi culture and traditions. They are looking at our women with their own standards, without considering our values,” he pointed out.
Al-Khathami added: “The Western media see only bad things in the Kingdom. There are many good things taking place in the country. Why don’t they focus on them?” he asked.
Al-Khathami called for change in the country’s education system, especially in teaching science, mathematics and English. “At the high school level, students cannot learn without the support of parents and teachers. This must change.”
He added: “The world is progressing fast and we have to make changes in our education system to cope with global developments and make greater progress.”
Secondary school graduates often find it difficult to catch up with university studies. “One-year preparatory course will not be enough to solve this problem.”
Muhannad Al-Shibani, a production engineering student of King Abdulaziz University, said he was not much concerned about Shoura and its discussions because of his engagement in studies and project works. However, he voiced his delight over the appointment of women on the Shoura and hoped they would be able to come up with new thoughts and ideas.
Alaa Badokhon, who specializes in computer and electrical engineering, urged the Shoura to introduce English language from grade one. “Most students find it difficult to cope with teaching in English medium at the university because of the sudden shift from Arabic to English.” Badokhan favored elections to the Shoura to strengthen the consultative body and enhance the Kingdom’s international reputation.