Okaz/Saudi Gazette RIYADH – Maj. Gen. Ali Al-Tamimi, a member of the Shoura Council, has criticized the performance of the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice (Haia) and said it was applying extreme views while trying to eradicate anti-social and immoral activities in the country. "According to Haia's annual report it has tracked down more than 200,000 cases, 180,000 of them have been settled after taking written undertaking and advice. This shows that the commission officials were adopting extreme views while dealing with the public," Al-Tamimi said. Dr. Mouda Al-Khalaf, another Shoura member, called for ending the monopoly of men in matters like promotion of virtue and prevention of vice. "Women should be allowed to participate in Haia activities, especially Shariah graduates," she added. Atta Al-Subaiti, another member said the commission's achievements cannot be seen on the ground as they are more descriptive. It has more than 8,000 jobs and 1,118 jobs or 15 percent are yet to be filled. The commission is now asking for drivers to support its field workers. Nasser Al-Naeem said the commission should focus its attention on spreading the message of Islam among expatriate workers, especially non-Muslims. "It should distribute Islamic books and pamphlets in different languages among expatriates," he said. Shoura member Dr. Sultan Al-Fareh was not happy with the performance of volunteers who cooperate with the commission, saying they have tarnished the image of Haia through their irresponsible actions. Dr. Khaled Al-Oqail said the commission's report included detection of 210,000 cases including 121,000 cases related to worship, 20,000 related to immorality and 21,000 cases on general discipline.
