Saudi Arabia seems to be getting serious (or at least semi-serious) about curbing corruption within the government. This Arab News story points to the case of a Saudi bureaucrat being rewarded for reporting a bribe attempt, as well as the bribe-offering company’s being blacklisted. An excellent start toward fixing the problem and one worthy of wide publicity.

The article notes that the government is aware that corruption is a widespread problem. It certainly is viewed as extensive by outsiders—see the media reports on the Al-Yamamah project involving BAE, among others. Part of the bad reputation comes from the past, when various ministers were alleged to require fixed percentages of any contract to be paid as a kickback/backhander. The sobriquet, ‘Minister 10%’ or ‘Minister 15%’ was leveled at many throughout the region. The legacy lives on in the minds of many.

What’s not addressed in this piece, though, is the corruption that results from the use/abuse of wasta, where who you know can be far more important that what one does, what one has earned, what one deserves. It’s not cash moving beneath the table, but it is still unfair, unearned advantage offered to some. When laws apply only to some, law becomes disrespected. When program benefits only go to the well-connected, the program becomes the target for ridicule and the government the target for anger.

Official rewarded for exposing bribery attempt
Saeed Al-Khotani | Arab News

RIYADH: Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and Crown Prince Sultan have ordered a financial reward to Bandar Al-Sharif, an employee at the Health Ministry, for his honesty and cooperation in uncovering a bribe attempt at the minister’s office, Health Minister Dr. Hamad Al-Manie announced yesterday at a press conference.

He said a national company specializing in medical equipment in collaboration with an expatriate made the bribery attempt. He did not disclose the name of the company that tried to bribe Al-Sharif.

The ministry, however, did say the reason why the unnamed company attempted to bribe the bureaucrat: It wanted Al-Sharif to cancel a financial penalty in the millions of riyals for failing to honor a ministry contract.

Al-Manie said the company would be blacklisted.

“This corrupt conduct by companies is not new as there are a number of undisclosed cases. When such a case is publicized, the aim is to send a warning message to others,” he said.
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