When leaders listen to criticism, not praises
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THE course of countries changes only when there is ability and acceptance to learn from successful experiences, and listening to insightful minds that pinpoint where the problem is. From this aspect, the Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz launched the reform process, which represented a major shift against what was hindering the country’s progress.
He operated by the principle that he has repeatedly mentioned in 2017, which is “Blessed by the one who guides me to my faults. If you or my fellow citizens who are now listening to me see anything that is not in the interest of your religion above all, and of your country – the country of the Two Holy Mosques – of which we are all servants, you are welcome to point it out. I repeat, our doors are open, our phones are open, and our ears are listening to every citizen.”
Since that time, through firm directives ordered by the king and the measures implemented by Prince Muhammad bin Salman, the state has been following the right course. It began to combat corruption that almost threatened it for years. This has been the talk of the whole world because of its distinction of equality between the young and the old, and the removal of the social prestige from some princes.
In this regard, I also remember the time when I was on a visit in Dubai and I met Sheikh Mohammed Rashid. He spoke about what his country needs, and focused on the mistakes that must be avoided in order to achieve reform. This is because the main goal is development and competition for progress and development, pursuant to the words of Napoleon Bonaparte – “The heart of a statesman must be in his head.” That is why the Emirates is distinguished by progressive steps that other countries require light years to achieve.
There is no doubt that this is the behavior of leaders who seek to build a capable state. Its institutions do not allow any of the corrupt to pollute it. For this reason, we have not heard of any transgressions in the Gulf countries for years, because the principle in them is to seek to enable the state and the people to be able to communicate with the leadership through an open-door policy.
This noble policy is in pursuant to the words of Confucius – “There has never been a leader who loves goodness, and his subjects fail to love probity. And it never happened that the people love probity without the affairs of the state becoming successful.”
These countries, and many others in the world, have established what can be considered as their solid strength through the advice they receive from opinion-holders who are devoid of personal gains. This is because good is general and evil is specific. Therefore, the public’s grumbling, if it falls on deaf ears, leads to ominous consequences, and contributes to weakening the state.
Kuwait, which built a legal system that was considered modern at the time, fell into the clutches of opportunists who passed a set of legislation that focused on oppressing people, and harming anyone who calls out corruption or responsible behavior that raises question marks.
This is why we wake up to one scandal, and sleep on another in most, if not all, ministries and institutions. We therefore are no longer surprised by the cries of some citizens who endured hard times, betrayed by those who had the ability to solve matters through their influence and position.
The Gulf countries have been able to get out of this impasse by opening doors and imposing maximum penalties on the transgressors. Therefore, when we talk about emulating these countries or Switzerland, Norway, or Sweden, it is because there is a general conviction among Kuwaitis that these people are not better than us but their officials have the ability to develop.
In this regard, Kuwait lacks the will, but if available and matched with honest and patriotic advisors, could definitely lead to a change in the situation for the better; otherwise we will continue heading towards the precipice.
By Ahmed Al-Jarallah
Editor-in-Chief, the Arab Times
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