This article from Al-Madinah, the Arabic daily from that city, is translated by Arab News. It notes the disconnect between official statements from a variety of Saudi ministries and the facts that Saudis see on the ground.

The article is interesting because while it avoids identifying ministers by name, it leaves no doubt about whom is being criticized. That’s not something one sees often in the Saudi media. The problem discussed—official statements not measuring up to reality—is not unique to the Kingdom, of course. It seems to be a by-product of politics, or perhaps simply bureaucracy. But when people find a stark contrast between what their eyes tell them and what the government tells them, it is always government that loses in the end. Loses respect, loses support, loses legitimacy. If the ministers are speaking of their aspirations, they need to make clear that it is their hopes they are putting forth, not some alternate reality.

Far away from reality
Abdullah Al-Jumaili | Al-Madinah

WE listen to press statements by some of our officials repeating the expressions “in fact” and “in reality.” If we compare what we hear to what we see in reality, we are left shocked and begin to doubt our very existence.

When we listen to officials at the Commerce Ministry and the Authority for the Protection of Consumers talking about “controlled prices” on the occasion of Ramadan and Eid and threatening to hit violating merchants with an iron hand, we want to believe them. However, a quick visit to markets and shops prevents us from doing so. Prices are skyrocketing and there simply is no control. Manufacturers and importers impose prices that inflate their bank accounts. To hell with consumers, it seems.

When we listen to officials at the Education Ministry saying there is no need for unemployed graduates to work as teachers because schools are replete with qualified teachers, we tend to believe them. However, overcrowded classrooms tell us not to.
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