JEDDAH — A decision has been made banning field members of the Commission for Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice (Hai'a) from stationing themselves at mall entrances, said Sheikh Abdul Lateef Aal Alsheikh, president of the commission. He said the decision was taken as their presence irritated the shoppers.The comments came in an exclusive interview conducted by Okaz/Saudi Gazette with the Hai'a chief. Some Hai'a field staffers prevented young shoppers from entering malls in some regions even though such actions contravene the rules and guidelines issued to them. “By law, no staff member is allowed to station himself at gates of any mall or has the power to prevent anyone from entering the mall,” Alsheikh said. He said disciplinary action has been taken against some members and heads of Hai'a centers for tasking volunteers and freelancers with field monitoring. The violators have been referred to the Board of Control and Investigation and some others moved to clerical jobs. They committed this violation although there is a decision banning such actions. He said only a few members have been disciplined and the rules defining the commission's tasks are enough to effectively deal with whoever dares to ignore them. He said the institutional development and progress made by the Hai'a to render quality services to citizens and residents would not have been achieved without the personal supervision of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah. “Frankly speaking, in the Hai'a we receive explanations and notifications on a daily basis from the King and other leaders seeking urgent reports on people's petitions and remarks. This reflects the great care the leadership gives to the affairs of the citizens and foreigners who live on Saudi soil.” About achievements he made during his short tenure, Alsheikh said efforts are going on according to a well-defined vision. “I need not mention that I assumed office only nine months ago and I spent a few months to explore the different aspects of work and ponder on a new style. In view of this I have taken a series of decisions such as banning volunteers from field work besides banning hot pursuits by the Hai'a staff.” About the old guard who resists change, he said, “It should be understood that I didn't come up with new polices. We apply the teachings of the Holy Qur'an and the Prophet's Sunnah in all our work. Moreover, the rules governing the Hai'a serve as a guideline to every single member of the body.” In response to the proposal by the Shoura Council to issue guidelines defining the job of the agency's field members, Alsheikh praised the Shoura members for their concern. “We in the Hai'a look forward to any effort aimed at ensuring the smooth flow of work. Still we are waiting for a legislation that outlines and defines the relationship of the Hai'a with other state agencies.” He said one of the major difficulties faced by the Hai'a is its rented buildings that use up a great portion of the commission's budget. The shortage of land in large cities cripples the commission's efforts to build its own offices and move out of the rented buildings.
