JEDDAH — Okaz Organization for Press and Publications on Monday launched a press code of ethics making Okaz the first local Arabic newspaper to take the pioneering step. Okaz will make the professional work its top priority under the code which is aimed at strictly adhering to the work ethics in whatever subjects the daily prints for its readers. The newspaper will also be committed to give its critics an opportunity to comment. Their viewpoints will be published along with a reply without exception. Sheikh Abdullah Saleh Kamel, chairman of the Board of Directors, said in its new quantum leap under the code, Okaz newspaper promises all its readers never to tread on the nation's cherished principles. "The newspaper will be keen to promote the unity of the homeland and its social fabric," he said adding that the daily will give everyone his/her due rights without racism or sectarianism. Walid J. Kattan, director general, said Okaz will discard all the topics that may ignite disunity, sectarianism, racism or tribalism. "Okaz will always propagate the public opinion which is pious toward the causes and issues of the nation," he said. Editor-in-Chief Jameel Al-Dhiyabi said the newspaper will not forgo the self-sensorship and accountability. "Okaz will publish the truth pure and simple without any disparity and with utmost professionalism and objectivity," he said. Dhiyabi said the newspaper will consolidate the principles which have been held by all under the code.
