FOLLOWING a stormy session of the Shoura Council attended by the labor minister, some members of the consultative body had called for the minister's resignation. Some other Shoura members, meanwhile, demanded the president to invite the health minister to get clarifications on the ministry's performance in light of its annual report. The members of the health affairs committee had repeatedly called for meeting with the ministry's officials in the past to discuss its annual report for 2014. Before that the minister of social affairs attended a Shoura session to present his ministry's plans and future programs for the welfare of citizens. He briefed the council on the ministry's major achievements and sought its members' ideas and proposals to further improve the services. These Shoura sessions where members question and criticize ministers are a major turning point in the Kingdom's political history. In the past, all ministers were considered above criticism and they were only used to praises and applause. Nobody, including Shoura members and media persons, dared to criticize them. Ministers in the past were surrounded by deputy ministers, undersecretaries, secretaries and other officials and it was very difficult for ordinary people to reach them. Now things have changed. Ministers are now questioned and criticized not only by the Shoura members but also by users of social media networks, speakers at seminars and conferences and other members of the public. Ministers are not in an envious position. Some of them work hard and make achievements and changes keeping themselves away from the media spotlight. However, they still face criticisms as nobody values their contributions. There are others who pass their time doing nothing for change. They will be staying away from the public and media to fearing criticism. There is a third group of ministers who will be running after media publicity without making any tangible contribution for the development of the country and its people. All these ministers will be exposed during confrontations with Shoura members. Ministers have a big responsibility today. The country's ruler appoints them vesting his confidence in them while all members of society pin great hope on them, believing they would work sincerely to improve services and boost development in all sectors. We are now in a totally different era. Getting into the position of a minister is not only just an honor but also a big responsibility. The ministers have to work sincerely and continuously to realize the hopes and aspirations of the Saudi leadership and people.
