Members of Al-Faisal Club in Makkah presented Abdullah Salim Al-Masoudi, a fellow member of the club who won the recent municipal council elections, with a 2016 model luxury car. Al-Masoudi was surprised by the unexpected gift, but said that was the way generous people honored their loyal friends. "I appreciate their support, especially during the elections," said Al-Masoudi. Club President Obaidullah Al-Masoudi said Abdullah Al-Masoudi played leading roles socially and culturally in multiple avenues. "He's an active member in the community and so the least we could do is offering him a simple gift for his efforts in serving society through educational work and for being a successful candidate to the municipal council," he added. However, a spokesman for Anti-Corruption Commission (Nazaha) said it was not permissible for public servants, including members of the municipal councils, to accept such expensive gifts. Abdul Rahman Al-Ajlan said the Council of Ministers has set guidelines on accepting gifts by government employees and anyone who violates those guidelines could be subjected to legal action. Legal adviser and attorney Hala Hakim said the acceptance of expensive gifts by a public servant raises suspicions. In a statement to Okaz/Saudi Gazette, she said it was not appropriate for a member of the municipal council to accept gifts from the public, whether relatives or friends. "Having elected to the municipal council, Al-Masoudi has become a public servant who is holding a sensitive position and accepting a luxurious gift might raise suspicions about him," said Hakim. She explained that the Cabinet decision prohibited government employees from accepting gifts exceeding SR10,000 in value. In addition, the receiver could face investigation to ascertain the purpose of the gift and if it was proven that it was given as a bribe, appropriate punishment could be imposed, she said. Hakim stressed that all government employees must stay away from excessive celebrations and accepting expensive gifts in recognition of their accomplishments or promotions to senior positions to ward off suspicions that put them under legal scrutiny.
