Jordan Times
Monday, July 19, 2004
Express yourselves, King
tells youth
By Dalya Dajani
DEAD SEA — His Majesty King Abdullah on Sunday
encouraged university students to continue expressing their views and concerns
to government officials without fear or reservation.
Addressing concerns raised by the youth at the end of their two-day forum here,
King Abdullah told students they should express themselves freely at all times.
Around 120 Jordanian youth met senior officials and business leaders this week
to explore ways of enhancing their engagement in the country's social, economic
and political life.
Students say they are hesitant in arguing with their university professors for
fear of getting a low grade or being “humiliated” or “told off.”
They attributed such fears to a “prevailing culture” that discouraged the young
from questioning the intelligence and wisdom of adults.
Meeting several students during lunch, King Abdullah pointed to an “older
generation” he described as “instilling fear of authorities.”
“The King said we have to do away with these fears, follow our own track and
freely express ourselves,” said Abdullah Tayfour, a 4th year computer
engineering student at the Hashemite University.
Tayfour told King Abdullah he was encouraged by the atmosphere at the forum,
where officials welcomed both positive and negative comments on various national
issues.
“We didn't have any fears when it came to telling officials how we felt about
the different social, economic and political issues in the country,” Tayfour
said.
“I believe that our contribution to such national dialogue was important and the
extent of freedom to which we have been able to express ourselves was a great
leap,” he added.
The students called for ensuring a “safer and more secure environment” to foster
their participation in the country's political life, efforts to eliminate
fanaticism, greater involvement in higher educational reforms, providing
incentives to empower women.
Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Bassem Awadallah said the
forum dealt with key national issues needed to boost development in the Kingdom.
“All of us here know of the opportunities available in this country as well as
the challenges, but what is more important is that we are also aware of the
tools needed to overcome them,” Awadallah added.
The minister, however, noted that an “effective and dynamic mechanism” was
needed to realise the King's national vision.
Several students told The Jordan Times that they requested forming a committee
to follow-up on their recommendations and the King directed officials to begin
work on the proposal.