Saudi Arabia: The War On Corruption: Why Now? Why Start At The Very Top? So What Is The Message?
08 November 2017By Dr. Khaled M.
Batarfi
IF I were to summarize my answers to press interviewers on the creation of the
supreme committee to fight corruption headed by Crown Prince Muhammad Bin
Salman, I would put it as follows:
Q: Why now?
A: Why not? We have had to live with corruption issues for ages. Tons of cases
were opened and closed, with years of investigations and few indictments. The
government agencies charged with the task of fighting corruption have failed
so far to give us solid results. Many of those responsible for the disasters
like Jeddah floods in 2010 and 2013, are still free to enjoy the
millions/billions they stole in the form of money and real estates. Not to
mention all the mega projects with inflated cost and deflated quality and the
shady deals, power abuse, money laundering and misuse of public funds and
properties.
It was high time someone did something about it. The King and his Crown Prince
did exactly what we were waiting for — only faster and greater than our best
expectations and sweetest dreams.
So, instead of asking why now, we should be asking why not before. And the
answer to that is: We have had enough of the incompetency of the process and
the processors. The system as is, (till last week), was ineffective and
incompetent to deal with the files at hand. A higher authority had to be
created with the mandate and required power tools to do the job, as quickly,
efficiently and comprehensively as should be.
Q: Why start at the very top?
A: Because that is exactly where we should start. Leaders are supposed to
lead, inspire and set a model to be followed. If the example they set is so
low, what do we expect from their followers? Worst, such model is creating a
whole societal culture that tolerates corruption and regards stealing from
public treasure as fair game. You cannot heal a body if the head is sick.
Q. So what is the message?
A. Actually there are two messages here. One for the Saudi people which
basically says that we won't tolerate corruption any longer. Starting today,
the cleaning process is on full speed. If you are clean, you will benefit from
the new environment. If you are dirty, then clean up or else!
The second message is for the world which declares that Saudi Arabia is
entering the race for the global best business and investment environment.
Justice, honesty and the rule of law are top. Corruption in all its forms is
bottom. Investors, inventors, workers and businessmen will enjoy an even
playground, where the best may win. No one is above the law, and no VIP is
privileged enough to have an easier run or a corner cut in any competition.
Q: What this has to do with the Saudi Vision 2030?
A: Everything! In the new world we dream, plan and sweat for, we can't
tolerate dirty tricks and money, low quality projects, overpriced services or
under-the-table deals. Our new world will shine under the bright sun, and
those who can only live and work in the dark have no space or place reserved.
Q: Are there unintended consequences? Bad reactions? Strong backlashes?
A. Maybe. For every action there is a reaction. However, these are
well-studied moves. Safeguards must have been taken. Countermoves were
readied.
As for the economy, I believe it will benefit from the cleanup. Not only
foreign investors and businessmen will love the new order, decent locals will
find it to their best expectations and standards. The youth and women were
complaining for ages about uneven playground. A healthier environment and
culture will certainly give them more space and horizons. No more glass
ceilings, the sky is the limit.
Q. Is there any link between the war on corruption, local politics and
regional conflicts?
A. We are not an isolated island. We do live in a dangerous neighborhood and
competitive political and business world. If we don't wake up quick and sharp,
the slippery road we have been walking for ages will take us down — way down!
With our oil getting cheaper and irrelevant, soon enough we might not have
sufficient income to sustain our development and life style.
Time is running out. Regional conflicts are eating up our treasury. Facing
Iran's destructive intervention and sponsorship of terrorism are distracting
us. The war on terror is depleting our resources. We cannot afford atop all of
that to let the corrupted steal our wealth, slow our development and derail
our economy.
Q. Finally, what does the future look with all these upheavals?
A. I would call it an historic recreation. Our world as we know is reborn. The
new world is more youthful, forward, smart, decent and bright. I love it
already! Don't you?
Dr. Khaled M. Batarfi is a Saudi writer based in Jeddah. He can be reached
at kbatarfi@gmail.com. Follow him at Twitter:@kbatarfi
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