Jordan Times
Tuesday, July 21, 2004
King urges gov't to get on
track
'Time has come for the government to focus more on our national programme'
AMMAN (JT) — His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday sent a letter to Prime
Minister Faisal Fayez reminding him of his expectations for advancement on the
domestic front.
In the letter, King Abdullah acknowledged “achievements over the past months,”
but added that “it is important to focus on several ideas to help you and your
team accelerate the pace of work and progress we stressed in the Letter of
Designation.”
The King reiterated that the priority of his mandate to the Fayez government,
which took office in October 2003, was to “improve the living standards of
citizens.”
“In the past months I have followed up on the government's performance and
efforts to approve the budget and economic measures, as well as legislation, in
cooperation with Parliament. Time has come for the government to focus more on
our national programme in line with my discussion with you in Aqaba, on the eve
of the government's formation, and as I indicated in my Letter of Designation.”
King Abdullah has repeatedly urged particular priorities for swift government
action. In recent months he has held talks with principals and officials
responsible for boosting investment in the Kingdom, expressing his desire to see
the pace in this arena stepped-up.
The King expressed dismay that progress has not been bolder, saying he learned
of bureaucratic obstacles that have hampered the investment sphere.
While Jordan has logged growth in its gross domestic product to 6.9 per cent in
the first quarter of 2004, poverty and unemployment still hover in the range of
30 per cent and 15 per cent respectively.
On Monday, Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Bassem Awadallah
told representatives of donor countries that per capita income is expected to
rise by 3.6 per cent by 2006. But he acknowledged that citizens have not so far
felt the results of the progress made, calling poverty and unemployment
“stubborn problems.”
In a public opinion poll, conducted in February to evaluate the performance of
the Fayez Cabinet since it was sworn in Oct. 28, respondents indicated that the
government needs to act immediately on three major problems confronting the
country — unemployment, poverty and corruption.
At that time, the poll, conducted by the Centre for Strategic Studies at the
University of Jordan, showed that although the government performance had thus
far not met citizens' expectations, respondents still expected the executive to
eventually deliver on these issues.
The King views administrative reforms as a crucial part of efforts to improve
citizens' lives as they are directly linked to economic development. He has
consistently urged a streamlining and modernisation of the public administration
system, a decentralisation of authority, and increased transparency and
accountability on how public funds are utilised.
King Abdullah said that instead of making headway in public administration,
existing problems have been compounded by additional issues, including the
failure of successive governments to fully execute remedial measures.
Pointing to his directives that merit be the basis of government appointments,
the King again urged that such appointments are not to be assigned because of
social pressures of any sort.
The King listed several other areas where he expected plans and programmes to be
expedited. They are human development, education, healthcare, tourism and
agriculture. King Abdullah also expressed a desire to see the country's Muslim
clerics assume greater responsibility in guiding their congregations in
appreciating and promoting the genuine values and principles of Islam. He called
on them to reinforce the ideals of tolerance, moderation and interaction.
The King concluded the letter to Fayez saying: “The way is still long and
requires more effort by you and your team to reach our vision for a future
Jordan.”