So Sultan Qaboos has ordered a "major reshuffle" of his cabinet - presumably meaning that some high profile ministers will be axed or moved. No details yet but one questions begs an answer - is it enough to assuage people's anger and give them reassurance that their demands have been met?
Probably not.
If the chess pieces are just moved around a little, it's still the same board.
Even if some of the ministers are axed, it's the system that is rotten, not only the guys at the top. Root and branch changes are needed, not just a cosmetic makeover.
Those holding out at Sohar don't just want to see another sycophant at the Ministry of Labour, or a self server at the Ministry of Oil and Gas. They want to see honest, selfless and professional leaders who will sweep away the "wasta" and corruption which is endemic in the ministries.
So....a message to His Majesty....think hard before you make you decisions. The future of your country as you know it is at stake.
1 comment:
Selfless politician? That would be like Diogenes with his lantern looking for an honest man in the middle of the market place. H.M without his powers? Not going to happen. Everything good in this country has come from that man, and yes things are dicey and some things need to be settled but not by the hands of the louts in Sohar. Are we ready for democracy in this country? I don't think we are ready for a western style democracy. Corruption.. yes there is corruption, but show me a country where there is none and you will find a country that is very good at hiding the corruption. Yes we do need more transparency, yes ministers ought to have a shelf life (that also applies to the US where politicians .. senators i believe can be in office for donkeys years, or the UK where there is no limit for the ruling party in power if they win the election time after time). We have educated our youth, and it is time they stepped up to the plate and took charge of their own destiny but they have to grow up first and quit whining. There are some very good workers, I work with them, but if the Shabab Oman (youth of Oman) are serious then no more saying I wont do this or that, or going off to 3 day funerals at the drop of a hat or saying I have to take my auntie to the doctor etc.. Maybe the shabab have to be forced to step up the plate and sink or swin. (very dicey). Maybe this is what we need to do with the young Omanis who do want to work and are serious about it. I agree this country would not have been built without the aid of the expat workers and till now it is happening. If the Shabab of Omani want to be serious they have to start acting seriously. Are they ready for a democracy? Not until they grow up.
Meem Arar.
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