Badea Abu Al-Naja Saudi Gazette MAKKAH — An official from the National Anti-Corruption Commission (Nazaha) said there are Saudis who give the false impression that the Kingdom is a corrupt country, damaging its reputation and that of its citizens. Naser Al-Shayei claimed such citizens include academics and university professors. During a symposium organized by Makkah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) in cooperation with the Saudi Council of Chambers of Commerce and Nazaha, Al-Shayei noted that he experienced such a situation when he was at an airport in a neighboring country. He wanted to rent a car but a Saudi professor was already at the car rental counter with his family. When the car rental employee asked him to pay in advance and another amount for insurance, the professor responded by saying: "Why have you changed? Corruption and theft is present in our country only and not yours." Al-Shayei questioned the message the professor was delivering to others including his children, who might lose trust in this country and its values. He pointed out Nazaha deals in complete confidentiality with all reports of corruption. "All corruption reports should be supported with evidence because Nazaha is working on many fronts and does not have the time to investigate unsupported corruption reports," he said. However, he added, that does not mean that Nazaha does not follow important cases, especially those published in the media. He pointed out that informers may notify Nazaha of corruption activities through its website, fax, in person, mail, or through its number 19991. Al-Shayei said Nazaha would protect the identity of any informer against any possible damage that may result. "Nazaha is developing its procedures and has set up a special department that conducts field rounds to follow up on government and private sector procedures," he said. A paper presented by the head of the National Center for Family Establishment discussed the negative economic effects of corruption. Mohammad Al-Selemi pointed out that corruption is present in all developed and growing economies, and is a widespread phenomena in Saudi society. He added that corruption hinders economic and social development and contributes to social injustice. The paper claimed that corruption is the result of the wrong upbringing of children, lack of religious deterrent, administrative and legal reasons, complicated and opaque procedures and the lack of strict penalties. In addition, corruption is the result of low salaries and the increasing cost of living, the paper stated. "Corruption can take the form of exploiting one's authority and position to offer wasta (nepotism) in return for bribes, commissions or gifts," Al-Selemi said. He noted it is not possible to put a value on corruption because bribes are not recorded. “Corruption has many negative economic effects, hinders foreign investments and causes the migration of capital," he said. The negative economic affects of corruption include the inappropriate allocation of public resources, poverty, lack of competition, and the incompetence of public utilities, he said.
