Public urged to report corruption

RIYADH: The Kingdom remains committed to rooting out corruption locally, and would continue to support international organizations in their fight to do so abroad, said Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar here recently.
In an address read out on his behalf by Khaled Al-Mohaisen, president of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (Nazaha), Prince Bandar said that the Kingdom supports all efforts currently underway by the United Nations.
Prince Faisal’s speech was read out at a seminar held recently in Riyadh to mark International Anti-Corruption Day, entitled “Break the Chains of Corruption,” according to a report in a local publication recently.
Prince Faisal said that the government’s doors remain open to anyone wanting to report corruption. He said that the late King Abdul Aziz, the founder of the Kingdom, had urged during his reign for people, whether at junior or senior level, to report corruption, or file complaints in boxes at government offices.
This was evidence that the government has always been committed to ensuring that everyone obeys the country’s laws. This attitude has been adopted by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, who has urged the authorities to hold people accountable for wasting public funds, said Prince Faisal.
He said that it was incumbent on everyone to ensure that the country was run in a transparent and ethical manner, which includes reporting any maladministration and dishonesty.
Al-Mohaisen said it was important to set aside one day every year to remind everyone about the importance of fighting graft, which has a negative effect on individuals and societies.
He said the Nazaha’s request for the Shoura Council to ensure it gets final judgments on all cases involving the wastage of public funds, would help the body follow up on these issues.
“It is a responsibility that lies on the shoulders of everyone in the community. Citizens and residents have an active role to play in this battle against corruption and the Nazaha is keen on building a relationship with the public through all communication means available,” he said.
Al-Mohaisen also launched an app for smartphones where people can report corruption, or respond to its reports, in English and Arabic. He said that the body would soon employ women.