Monthly Archives: November 2011

Book Review – An Intelligent Man’s Guide To Arab Management.! (Two Books) Reply

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Book Review – An Intelligent Man’s Guide To Arab Management.

Oman Vistas Magazine – Essential Reading on Business & Economic Development – February 2010.

Psychology of Arab Management Thinking deals with everything you need to know about the Arab Management process and nuances of the workplace in Oman. The Author quotes mainly from personal experiences and draws on his observations of human behavior at the workplace.

The book provides a perspective from the Author’s personal experiences in dealing with expatriates and locals. It is an outmost candid representation and objective evaluation of behavioral and management issues, organization values and work ethics at the workplace in Oman.

In his book, he puts forth hard hitting facts in a sincere attempt to speak the truth about the realities in Arab Management. The attempt is not to be construed as an attempt to jeopardize people, instead it is written with an objective to make people aware, help them learn and make amends to the current management system.

This process of realization and change are being laid out in order to help the management in their development and success and raise the bar in terms of achievement and learning and increase value added employee contributions at the workplace.

In the preface of the book, he reveals “Arab Managers have a low opinion and rating of his own people and values and esteems outsiders to his own”. This book is definitely not a surreptitious (secret) account of workplace facts, but introspective (thoughtful) writing well meant to assess and evaluate facts with objectivity at its best.

In Chapter 14 “Is there any hope for the Arab Manager? Or what should the Arab Manager do?” he puts forth the fundamental and most critical question of whether such a management is able to evoke a sense of morale, motivation and ownership of tasks from employees at the workplace.

This book is a reference point for a better understanding between people and organizations, especially in the unprecedented business scenario where employees need to stay together as a team. He speaks about incumbent issues of working with certain managers where he was asked to over deliver as he was presumably paid more than the directors back in their country. He speaks about pertinent issues of preferential treatment, lack of transparency and dilution of organizational values of integrity and team work at the workplace in order to further the personal interests of the management.

Citing case studies and quotes especially from organization inputs, he provides plausible instances for clash of old autocratic and new management concepts, importance of interpersonal and communication skills, training and implementing new practices. He puts forth principles that will have a greater role to play in challenging the current practices in Arab Management for the better.

This book is a revelation of the realities of the Arab workplace and is recommended to be read as the Writer is drawing from his own personal experiences and exposures and narrated with live demonstrations, examples and illustrations with the aim of improvement in the Arab Management practices

Majid Al Suleimany is a prolific writer who is an Arab (GCC – Omani) Management and Human Resources Consultant, Expert and Professional who has authored various (management) books. Known for his sharp wit and honest portrayal of the culture of the Arab workplace, the Author has no qualms in calling ‘a spade a spade’.

He has worked for over 25 years as a Human Resources Professional and Expert mainly in Oil Companies. He has also worked for over 8 years as a Management and Human Resources Consultant, Expert and Advisor. He has also been widely exposed to young Omani graduates’ intake programmes, their mentoring, coaching and counseling and for National Staff in general. He holds an MBA in International Management (UK). The Author has four other books to his credit – the second Management New Book A Cry For Help! Between Us Only; The Sequel – Between Us Only! And Short Takes – Between Us Only!

The book is now available in Family Bookshops in Oman, Borders and WHSMith – Magrudy’s and Jashanamal in UAE.

It can be ordered online at www.trafford.com/08-0889 or email orders@trafford.com

(For more books reviews, details and particulars, please visit www.majidbooks.com or www.mymajidbooks.wordpress.com or  www.alsuleimany.com –

Email majidalsuleimanybooks@gmail.com or majid@majidsuleimany.com

majidalsuleimanybooks@mas-trac.com)

END

Between Us Only! THE FINAL ARTICLE! 2

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Between Us Only!

THE FINAL ARTICLE!

It Is Time To Say Goodbyes!

  • A wise man once said: ‘The skill in attending a party is knowing when it is time to leave’. We built something extraordinary together… and all things must end, and we wanted to do it right, to do it our way – REM lead vocalist Michael Stipe announces the alternative rock band is splitting after 31 years and 15 albums.
  • A farewell is necessary before we can meet again, and meeting again, after moments or a lifetime is certain for those who are friends. Anon
  • True love doesn’t have a happy ending, because true love never ends. Letting go is one way of saying I love you – Anon
  • Sometimes you have to let go to see if there was anything worth holding on to – Anon
  • Set the bird free – if it flies away from you – it was not yours from the beginning! – East African Swahili saying.
  • Do not wake up sleeping dogs, they will wake up – and bite you! – Another East African Swahili expression.
  • This battle may have been lost – but the war is still on ahead – French General after France invaded by Nazi Hitler German army.
  • Sometimes you think you have won; when you have actually lost – and sometimes you think you have lost; when you have actually won! – Anon
  • The usual old games and tricks do not work anymore – because people have gone past the Fear Element now!
  • Do not bite the hand that feeds you – otherwise you will lick the boot that kicks you – Anon
  • If you have something growing for you – keep it, nurture it – let it grow and prosper – do not put sand in your rice cake (food) – (Swahili East African) or spit on your food (Indian). If you do – in the end you yourself cannot eat it anymore!
  • Do not kill the messenger of bad news! – Anon
  • Sincerity and being caring, feeling and genuine are never wasted in the front of God – Arabic

I am one of those fans who had really got hurt and disappointed when The ABBA Swedish music group had decided to close down. The same for the Comedy series Seinfeld and Friends. Also The Oprah shows.

The reason they gave was the same one – when you are still ‘up there’ then it is time to quit!

I watched the film of Titanic as it was being rushed to its utter destruction – as it was being moved towards the icebergs – and despite the protestations of the young captains on board!

I am a sick diabetic person 63 years old – with eyesight and glaucoma problems. I am now continuously feeling a lot of pressures – and getting my face always bloodied – and my head swollen – as I bang it against brick walls! Nobody is hearing me – and I always end as the victim – because people do not want to hear the truth – and find evil and devious ways and means to ‘get back at me’!

I simply cannot now continue to handle the pressures I used to be able to do in the past – especially being out all alone there – and abandoned without any support and backing!

Things that have seemed to have been settled are being revived just to put me in a corner – and to silence me!

I have been writing for the last 8 years – and on the same subjects and topics – and I keep writing – again and again! I am writing more as a hobby – something that I like to do! Nothing more or less! The money is peanuts – if and when it comes in!

The Romans had said – Those that the gods are out to destroy make them not see, hear or speak. Or as we Arabs say – There is no one so blind but with eyes but cannot see; no one so deaf but with ears but cannot hear; and no one so dumb but with a mouth but cannot speak!

Or as Napoleon had appropriately had said – Do not interfere with someone set to destroy himself (Let it be syndrome!).

Things I had said in 1980s came to pass – even in my working time and career too! I am tired of saying so many times – again and again – I TOLD YOU SO! The same things that I have said in my articles from 2003 onwards – 8 years ago – came to pass! Just imagine! From my first book Between Us Only! – www.majidbooks.com

My First Arab Management Book – Psychology of Arab Management Thinking – Context and Perspectives – Arabian Magement Series. The book talked all about ‘the things going wrong in Arab Management’. See here how to order – or www.majidbooks.com

I warned and cautioned on the cinder fires burning underneath – instead my books and I were targeted instead! The book A Cry For Help! Went even so far to prophesied and predict the Arab Spring Uprisings – but who cares? See www.majidbooks.com Even the VIPs that I had sent my books did not have even the politeness and courtesy to acknowledge and thank me! As if I was embarrassing them instead to send them my books!

Why and What for are all these things?

My Second Arab Management Book – A Cry For Help! (The Real Cry!) – Context and Perspectives – Arabian Magement Series. The book talked all about ‘the things going more extreme and fundamental especially with The Youth and sort of predicted and propheised The Arab Spring Uprisings!. See here how to order – or www.majidbooks.com

Anyway, I would like to thank all my fans and supporters from my heart with warmth, sincerity and genuine feelings and touch. And I ask your forgiveness for those who chose ‘not to be my friends’ – and those trying to get back at me – to shut me up and close my mouth!

This is Goodbye – and wishing you all the very best in your lives, your families and in your endeavours! I came – and now I am going. Leave me alone NOW in peace – please!

Goodbye and Maa Salaamah!

By:

Majid Al Suleimany

November 19th 2011 – Muscat – Oman.

majidalsuleimany@gmail.com – majidsnalsuleimany@hotmail.com

majid@mas-trac.com – majid@majidsuleimany.com

The Holy Quraan – What The Holy Book Says About Debt! Reply

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The Holy Quraan – What The  Holy Book Says About Debt!

A         Surah II Al Baqarah

In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Verse 278

Fear God, and give up,

What remains of your demand

For Usury, if ye are

Indeed Believers

Verse 279

If ye do it not,

Take notice of war

 From God and His Apostle

But if ye turn back,

Ye shall have

Your capital sums

Deal not unjustly

And Ye Shall not

Be dealt with unjustly

Verse 280

If the debtor is

In a difficulty,

Grant him time

Till it is easy

For him to repay

But if ye remit it

By way of charity

That is best for you

If ye only knew

 Verse 281

And fear the Day

When ye shall be

Brought back to God

Then shall every soul

Be prepared what it earned

And none shall be

Dealt with unjustly

 

B       From Al Bukhari

 Volume 3, Book 41, Number 572:

Narrated Abu Huraira:

The Prophet said, “Whoever takes the money of the people with the intention of repaying it, Allah will repay it on his behalf, and whoever takes it in order to spoil it, then Allah will spoil him.”

Volume 3, Book 41, Number 582:

Narrated ‘Aisha – May Allah Be Pleased with her:

Allah’s Apostle used to invoke Allah in the prayer saying, “O Allah, I seek refuge with you from all sins, and from being in debt.” Someone said, O Allah’s Apostle! (I see you) very often you seek refuge with Allah from being in debt. He replied, “If a person is in debt, he tells lies when he speaks, and breaks his promises when he promises.”

Volume 3, Book 41, Number 573:

Narrated Abu Dhar:

Once, while I was in the company of the Prophet, he saw the mountain of Uhud and said, “I would not like to have this mountain turned into gold for me unless nothing of it, not even a single Dinar remains of it with me for more than three days (i.e. I will spend all of it in Allah’s Cause), except that Dinar which I will keep for repaying debts.”

Then he said, “Those who are rich in this world would have little reward in the Hereafter except those who spend their money here and there (in Allah’s Cause), and they are few in number.”

Volume 3, Book 41, Number 574:

Narrated Abu Huraira:

Allah’s Apostle said, “If I had gold equal to the mountain of Uhud, it would not please me that it should remain with me for more than three days, except an amount which I would keep for repaying debts.”

Volume 3, Book 41, Number 576:

Narrated Hudhaifa:

I heard the Prophet saying, “Once a man died and was asked, ‘What did you use to say (or do) (in your life time)?’ He replied, ‘I was a business-man and used to give time to the rich to repay his debt and (used to) deduct part of the debt of the poor.’ So he was forgiven (his sins.)” Abu Masud said, “I heard the same (Hadith) from the Prophet.”

Volume 3, Book 41, Number 582:

Narrated ‘Aisha:

Allah’s Apostle used to invoke Allah in the prayer saying, “O Allah, I seek refuge with you from all sins, and from being in debt.” Someone said, O Allah’s Apostle!

(I see you) very often you seek refuge with Allah from being in debt. He replied, “If a person is in debt, he tells lies when he speaks, and breaks his promises when he promises.”

Volume 3, Book 41, Number 585:

Narrated Abu Huraira:

Allah’s Apostle said, “Procrastination (delay) in repaying debts by a wealthy person is injustice.”

Volume 3, Book 41, Number 586:

Narrated Abu Huraira:

A man came to the Prophet and demanded his debts and used harsh words. The companions of the Prophet wanted to harm him, but the Prophet said, “Leave him, as the creditor (owner of the right) has the right to speak.”

Volume 3, Book 41, Number 587:

Narrated Abu Huraira:

Allah’s Apostle said, “If a man finds his very things with a bankrupt, he has more right to take them back than anyone else.”

Volume 3, Book 41, Number 600:

Narrated ‘Abdullah bin Ka’b bin Malik:

Ka’b demanded his debt back from Ibn Abi Hadrad in the Mosque and their voices grew louder till Allah’s Apostle heard them while he was in his house. He came out to them raising the curtain of his room and addressed Ka’b, “O Ka’b!” Ka’b replied, “Labaik, O Allah’s Apostle.” (He said to him), “Reduce your debt to one half,” gesturing with his hand.

Kab said, “I have done so, O Allah’s Apostle!” On that the Prophet said to Ibn Abi Hadrad, “Get up and repay the debt, to him.”

Volume 3, Book 41, Number 606:

Narrated ‘Abdullah bin Ka’b bin Malik Al-Ansari from Ka’b bin Malik:

That ‘Abdullah bin Abi Hadrad Al-Aslami owed him some debt.

Ka’b met him and caught hold of him and they started talking and their voices grew loudest. The Prophet passed by them and addressed Ka’b, pointing out to him to reduce the debt to one half.

So, Ka’b got one half of the debt and exempted the debtor from the other half.

C       Hadith

It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:

“The soul of the believer is suspended because of his debt until it is paid off.” Narrated by al-Tirmidhi (1078).

It was narrated that ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab (may Allaah be pleased with him) said:

Beware of debt, for it starts with worry and it ends with war.

Narrated by Maalik in al-Muwatta’ (2/770).

May Allah SWT Guide Us To Do The Right & Correct Things – Amin.

Need For Compassion From The Banks! 1

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Article For Sunday November 20, 2011

My Website – www.majidall.com

Between Us Only!

Need For Compassion! (This Is The Full Version)

The Holy Quraan – Surah Al Baqarah – Verse 280 – If the debtor is – In a difficulty – Grant him time – Till it is easy – For him to repay – But if ye remit it – By way of charity – That is best for you – If ye only knew

Abu Qatadah related that the Prophet had said: If anyone would like Allah to save him from the hardships of the Day of Resurrection, he should give more time to his debtor who is short of money, or remit his debt altogether. (Muslim)

With a heavy heart and sadness, I have noticed the new trend, fashion and in-style nowadays is to draw blood from stones! Or having your pound of flesh with blood drawn in!

The world we live in is only temporary (transit) – and on The Day of Judgment we will be held responsible for all our actions – and inactions. This applies especially more to The Leadership.

There are so many others verses of The Holy Quran and The Hadith (Religious Teachings) on being kind, considerate and compassionate to those especially heavy in debts – but cannot pay – even if they really wanted to.

It is well understandable that the Banks have no monies of their own but are mainly their depositors’ monies with them. They have therefore full rights to protect and preserve these deposits and investments with them – and the trust and confidence put on them.

There is no question and or dispute here for any reason.

One can also try to understand and appreciate the point and reasoning as to why they are ‘harshly chasing and pursuing so-called defaulters’ – if they themselves are now running in the red and losing money and profits.

In memory of BouAzizi of Tunisia who started The Arab Spring Uprisings!

Images – BouAziz In Remebrances, Supporters Demonstrating and Fadia Al Hamdi – The Policewoman who slapped BouAzizi!

OPEN YOUR EYES AND SEE, OPEN YOUR EARS AND HEAR – AND OPEN YOUR MOUTH AND SPEAK IT!

It is also understandable that the banks have to operate under set rules and regulations of the Banking Sector an as per monetary and fiscal policies of the nation with the Central Bank as the as the Head of the Banking Authority in Oman – and as the Custodian of the Banking Laws set by Royal Decrees.

And then let us face realities and truth in life. Banks have indeed made great profits and returns as we see in the news every day. Many of them have built expensive top-of-the-art creative Head Offices and Branches, many top good pool cars and handsome bonuses and dividends too. Let alone the Top Management bonuses every year. Where does this money come from? It is like what we hear all being said on Wall Street all over again!

But it is also a statistical fact and reality too that especially in Self-Employment with the SMEs there are bound to be failures – and not because of not trying or one not being responsible, accountable and transparent – or because of wrong calculations, estimates and risk taking.

Those businesses that have not done this have remained small grocery shops for ages – but even here now there are unexpected eventualities, turns and outcomes.

We live in the global village. And what happens there has a direct and indirect bearing and affect to us too.

Tell that to Video Shops (remember Beta and VHS formats?) and now replaced by CDs – Bookshops selling physical hard copies by eBooks (remember Borders etc) and by Kindle iPads and others! Audio cassettes – what is that? Even in the small villages in the third world!

And then let us face realities and truth in life. Many Omanis are heavily in debt – even the younger coming in generations.

Then we have the usual jealousies and envies streak in society that are willing to pay foreign companies three or four times more that they are willing to pay local firms – ‘on take it or leave it basis’ as we were told. Or a lot of empty and dry promises made to you ‘to finish off the job – even if you are running at a big loss’ – and when you told them you cannot continue at this rate – and or need review for more money, support, assistance and cooperation.

Then we have the usual issues of ‘of getting entry, break and opportunity first of all to come in’ – the ‘Wastah element’ – ‘Corruption Fiascos’ – and the differences between rhetoric and reality!

Whatever the case the CBO, Ministry of Finance and the Commercial Banks need to do something quick – before we also start to have Wall Street demonstrations here – or someone does something untoward and unexpected at any time.

Pervez ex Pakistan President had said – it is all nice to have all kind of nice policies and coverage inside and outside – but it is what directly impacts and affects citizens’ lives that make the difference. Or metaphorically speaking, having a nice painted villa outside – and only in the Sitting Room where guests come in – but the rest is a mess!

It is the small things that count in the final analysis and calculations – and we are not there yet.

How does a customer feel when he sees the Banks getting so much profits and incomes – and is giving this and that prize – and is sponsoring this and that – but a citizen Pensioner salary is not safe – including his house too!

And The Big Question – are we following the CSR – Corporate Social Responsibilities guidelines – or for that matter our Religion and Teachings too?

[Quran 4:58] Verily! Allah commands that you should render back the trusts to those, to whom they are due; and that when you judge between men, you judge with justice. Verily, how excellent is the teaching which He (Allah) gives you! Truly, Allah is Ever All-Hearer, All-Seer.

I REPEAT IT – Whatever the case the Central Bank of Oman CBO, Ministry of Finance and the Commercial Banks need to do something quick – before we also start to have Wall Street demonstrations here – or someone does something untoward and unexpected at any time.

 Frankly, I do not think that banks should worry about Islamic Banking coming in if they do treat with feelings, compassion and consideration their customers and clients now – before they start switching allegiances and loyalties. The time to do that is now – not tomorrow!

Allah SWT Will judge us by our deeds and actions – and also inactions – on The Punishment of The Grave and The Day of Reckoning!

May Allah SWT (God) Protect and Preserve us all from His full anger and fury – and Guide us all towards the right path and ways always – Amin..

By: Majid Al Suleimany

FOOTNOTE:- IT IS HARAAM (NOT RIGHT) THAT WHILST WE ARE CELEBRATING 41ST NATIONAL DAY SICK DIABETIC PEOPLE ARE BEING MORE SICK AND DEPRESSED IN THEIR HOMES! WHERE IS COMPASSION AND HUMANITY?????

Are we watching and seeing things all around us now – even near home? Or happening in so-called Advanced Western World with the Arab Spring Fever?

The Romans had said – Those that the gods are out to destroy make them not see, hear or speak.

Or as we Arabs say – There is no one so blind but with eyes but cannot see; no one so deaf but with ears but cannot hear; and no one so dumb but with a mouth but cannot speak! Or as Napoleon had said – Do not interfere with someone set to destroy himself (let it be syndrome).

Narrated Hudhaifa: I heard the Prophet saying, “Once a man died and was asked, ‘What did you use to say (or do) (in your life time)?’ He replied, ‘I was a business-man and used to give time to the rich to repay his debt and (used to) deduct part of the debt of the poor.’ So he was forgiven (his sins.)”

Abu Masud said, “I heard the same (Hadith) from the Prophet.”

Al Bukhari – Volume 3, Book 41, Number 606: Narrated ‘Abdullah bin Ka’b bin Malik Al-Ansari from Ka’b bin Malik:That ‘Abdullah bin Abi Hadrad Al-Aslami owed him some debt. Ka’b met him and caught hold of him and they started talking and their voices grew loudest. The Prophet passed by them and addressed Ka’b, pointing out to him to reduce the debt to one half. So, Ka’b got one half of the debt and exempted the debtor from the other half.

Hadith

It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The soul of the believer is suspended because of his debt until it is paid off.” Narrated by al-Tirmidhi (1078).

It was narrated that ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: Beware of debt, for it starts with worry and it ends with war. Narrated by Maalik in al-Muwatta’ (2/770).

May Allah SWT (God) Protect and Preserve us all from His full anger and fury – and Guide us all towards the right path and ways always – Amin..

By: Majid Al Suleimany

We Need To Be Serious! 1

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Between Us Only!

We Need To Be Serious!

Practising more of what is being preached and in reality!

 Or difference between rhetoric and reality!

The other day I had gone to this Medical Centre in Town. As I entered the place there was this Western lady who was at the Reception Desk. She was wearing a white nurse dress – so I presume she was a real nurse acting out the duties and function as The Receptionist cum Administrator at the counter.

She was trying hard to be friendly – and you could tell it was all an act and charade – until she realized that we spoke Queens English to be more receptive! Or perhaps the place encourages only the Rich and Famous Omanis – not like us!

I was wondering to myself whether she was really doing the job as such full time – or would not surprise me being just off Eid – if there was an Omani boy or girl doing the ‘real’ job – but as usual – and not surprising again – the fear of the rain and the wadis – or just Shuwa and Mishkaak (Meat Meals!) at the home village had decided not to turn up – like the rest of the Private Sector did!

Frankly I was perturbed as I was sitting there and though smiling comes in this person (Patient – Western) who sits facing me but my smile is wasted on him – as if we are in Europe – and not in Oman where it is customary too to at least smile and say Hi! as you enter – but that is another story for now! This despite all the things that have happened here before – and my last book published 2009 on the same issues – A Cry For Help! – www.majidbooks.com

Do not blame me by going with appearances – because I simply have no way of knowing! It then dawned to me that if she (Receptionist) was really doing this job full time – then she must have come in on a Labour Clearance and Visa of a Nurse (or even Doctor – nothing is surprising anymore to me now!). And that must be a very expensive exercise of the establishment – and needed to be done anyway because she came with the ‘investment package’ from home – or through other connections, contacts and reasons.

If that was the case, for sure this job (like many others too!) could easily have been done by a local – given the right touch, encouragement, push, mentoring, guidance and coaching! But then who really cares? If you can circumvent the rules and regulations for your benefit – and the others are looking the other way – why not I ask you? Not only here but in so many other places in Town! We Need To Be Serious!

If even all these jobs ‘sort of reserved for Omanis only’ can now be done by expatriates under fanciful names and titles – why not? Could perhaps explain why this expatriate lady was doing a Receptionist Admin job – supposed to be reserved for Omanis.

But if even more senior jobs like Admin, PRO, Secretaries and Human Resources Managers are being done now openly by expatriates under fanciful names – why not? Incidentally and coincidentally if you go to the Professional Sites liked LinkedIn, you will see them brave enough to call themselves as just plain HR Managers – and nothing to be scared or to be afraid about! But perhaps more scare the guy who writes such things instead!

Frankly too – and the other side of the coin – if you as a local and are not really serious about your job aspects, accountabilities and responsibilities – and give them an excuse to bring in a friend or contact from home – or is already here looking for a job or something better – whom do you blame – them or just plain you? After all they have come here to invest with Returns (Profits) On Investments – ROI! And if the office atmosphere can be cheered the more by having home faces – or more friendlier faces – why not!

If the excuse was that she was acting because it being Thursday and the Youth insist on a five-day week as per the new regulations– the two days off could be made on shift-basis – and recruiting more Omanis for the position. This instead of wanting to give bad name to Omanis as being ‘not cooperative – even with overtime offers – instead of these short cuts!

The same story starts to repeat itself with the introduction of the basic minimum salaries – and what followed next! Here we go again!

There is something that I must also say and repeat here for the benefit of everyone – and I hope common sense, dynamism, realism, pragmatism and vision will come in!

First there is no more this element of fear still running or even scantily – and secondly everybody is just fed up to the till!

And if you think still the old games and gimmicks will still work in winning always – you have got it all wrong – and are just deluding no one but yourself only – and those near you! In desperation and last attempt and effort – last week I had written in the same column – Let The Strong Man Win! Do not tempt to scare me anymore – because in the end we will all lose – some sooner than the others!

 I think I may need to quit now writing anymore for ever – because I always get hurt and pained in the end – and I end with a bloodied face – and swollen head banging it against brick walls!

Like I have said so many times in the columns – The Romans had said – Those that the gods are out to destroy make them not see, hear or speak. Or as we Arabs say – There is no one so blind but with eyes but cannot see; no one so deaf but with ears but cannot hear; and no one so dumb but with a mouth but cannot speak!

Or as Napoleon had said – Do not interfere with someone set to destroy himself (let it be syndrome).

And finally – Those that bite the hand that feeds them – end in licking the boat that kicks them! – proved so many times before!

Take Care!

By: Majid Al Suleimany

Change Is Inevitable – Oman Ministers. 2

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Change is Inevitable

Wed, 09 November 2011

MUSCAT — Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdallah, Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs, and Hamad bin Mohammed al Rashdi, Minister of Information, confirmed that the Sultanate totally rejects and detests the conspiracy theory associated with the political events witnessed by the Arab world earlier this year and what became known as the Arab Spring.

The two ministers said that the Sultanate fully understands the reasons behind the protests that took place in the country during February, and responded to it. “We do not want the Arab world to adopt the European model that calls for the separation between the state and the religion. We do not want revolutions based on the old conception, not we want bloody revolutions. 

Image HE Minister of Information Yusuf Alawi below

Image HE Minister of Information Hamed Al Rashdi above

The Arab League was established to encourage the peaceful transmission of power. Change is inevitable in the region but only through the mechanisms of the society,” Alawi told an Arabic daily. “The concerns over the conspiracy theory and US preparations to hand the region over to extremist groups are exaggerated.

The Arab world co-existed with all, and now they are talking about extremist groups. These groups who want to reduce the international nature of Islam to a specific area will certainly vanish while the true essence of Islam will remain for eternity,” added Alawi. Alawi who believes in the inevitability and the necessity of change rules out that the call of secularists to separate between the religion and the state is destined to fail, confirming that the state is nothing but the nation, and no one can pull out religion from the nation.

“The whole matter is centred on how to built a new system that respond to what had been neglected in the past. All peoples and particularly the youth should be provided with all means that enable them to develop themselves in all aspects of life, this requires plans that ensure gradual change. It is not true that all the problems will disappear as soon the regime is toppled,” said Alawi.

Alawi downplayed the scenes of destruction that accompanied the sit-ins that took place in Sohar and Dhofar region in February, confirming that the security forces did not confront the protesters, and there was no violence. He considers that the government understood the demands of the protesters who were seeking jobs and asking for pay rise.

The government later responded by providing jobs to the Omani job-seekers, a trend that was already among the government’s major planning and priorities. Al Rashdi said the amendments to the State Basic Statute complemented the achievements of the preceding stages. The demands of the citizens are not considered negative despite the negative phenomena that accompanied the sit-ins, the violence and vandalism was much limited.

About corruption which was one of the reasons behind the sit-ins, the minister said that there were unlawful practices, and that suitable measures were taken against some officials, and this is what should have happened provided that no one is taken by suspicion. Al Rashdi agrees with Alawi on the importance of internal dialogue. Alawi adds that for any dialogue to be successful, we have to accept the other opinion. — Oman Arabic Daily

His Majesty Exhorts Qualitative Shift 2

Announcements, Breaking News, Good Article • Tags: ,

His Majesty Exhorts Qualitative Shift

Tue, 01 November 2011
 

– Work relentlessly for success of national plans

 Stresses government-private sector co-ordination

– High priority to HR development and education 

Lays greater emphasis on opportunities for youth

By Fahmy bin Khalid al Harthy – The Oman Daily Observer – November 1st 2011

HIS Majesty Sultan Qaboos presided over the opening of the 5th term of the Majlis Oman yesterday. His Majesty the Sultan said in a historic Royal address to the nation that Oman’s Shura experiment has been developed in a manner of progress meant to lay firm foundations and stable pillars that will ensure its natural growth, while at the same time meeting the requirements of each phase of national action and responding to the community’s needs.

His Majesty the Sultan noted that many notable achievements were made along the path of this blessed experience, the Sultanate’s Renaissance. In this respect His Majesty said, “We express our thanks for the efforts exerted in this regard and we are looking forward to a qualitative shift in national work which will be carried out by the Majlis Oman during the upcoming period in the light of the expanded powers given to it in legislative and auditing fields.”

Voicing this confidence, His Majesty the Sultan said, “Omanis are well-qualified to be an example and a model for others to follow in this age of rapid development and progress, and they are also capable of coping with the challenges of the modern age, and adopting every new enlightened idea, benefiting from sciences and new technology.

“We have always affirmed our continued attention to the development of human resources and we said that these resources take top priority in our plans and programmes.

“The forthcoming stage will witness bigger attention and greater care to provide more opportunities for the youth.”

Comment – One of HM best speeches in my mind! Majid Al Suleimany I Love This Man!

Graft will be rooted out: HM
 

MANAH Corruption will be rooted out from the administrative system and the youth will be given greater attention with job opportunities and a role in contributing to the development march, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said told the Council of Oman at Hisn Al Shumoukh in the Wilayat of Manah in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate on Tuesday.

Delivering the Royal speech while opening the Council’s fifth term for 2011, His Majesty urged the Council to carry out its responsibilities efficiently with the expanded powers in the legislative and auditing fields.

“We are looking forward to a qualitative shift in national work, which will be carried out by the Council of Oman during the upcoming period in the light of the expanded powers given to it in the legislative and auditing fields. There is no doubt that the challenges are enormous, but we are quite confident that all members of the Council will play their role in leading the country to prosperity,” His Majesty said.

His Majesty said corruption will be rooted out from the administrative system.

“We instruct our government to take all necessary measures to prevent corruption and we direct all the audit authorities to fulfil their duties resolutely in this regard with the full force of the law,” His Majesty said.

His Majesty said the youth will be given greater attention. The government has created thousands of jobs in the state sector and was working with the private sector to increase employment opportunities.

His Majesty hoped the Shura Council will develop into a body, which will contribute to the decision-making process.

His Majesty urged the citizens to work tirelessly for a prosperous future.

The role of education in building a responsible and learned society was also stressed.

His Majesty invited the private sector to take greater role in developing human resources.

His Majesty assured all Omanis on freedom of expression but one should not force his opinion on others or suppress the rights of others to express their ideas freely.

The judicial and audit institutions will be upgraded with the aim of reinforcing the state institutions.

“Our support for the judiciary and its independence is a duty to which we have committed ourselves, and we recognise that it is imperative to respect its decisions without favoritism, as all are equal before the law.”

Ministers and heads of civil bodies lauded His Majesty’s speech.

HE Sheikh Mohammed Bin Sa’ayed Al Kalbani, Social Development Minister, said His Majesty stressed the importance of cooperation between public and private institutions and the citizens for the development of the country.

Her Excellency Rawiyah Bint Saud Al Busaidiah, Minister of Higher Education, said the speech asserts the strategic views to promote and update the universities.

HE Sheikh Khaled Bin Omar Bin Said Al Marhoun, Minister of Civil Services, said the speech encourages everyone to do his best in order to take part in the development march.

HE Dr Yahya Bin Mahfoudh Al Mantheri, Chairman of the State Council, expressed his thanks and appreciation for His Majesty for opening the Council of Oman. He said His Majesty’s speech will inspire the citizens to contribute to national development.

HE Khalid Bin Hilal Al Ma’awali, Chairman of the Shura Council, said the Shura Council and its members will do their best and proceed as per the message of the speech.

HE Khalil Bin Abdullah Al Khonji, Chairman of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), lauded the speech and assured the private sector’s support and cooperation to the government.

The session was attended by Their Highnesses, the chairmen of the State Council and Shura Council, ministers, advisers, commanders of the Sultan’s Armed Forces and Royal Oman Police, honourable members of the State Council and Shura Council, heads of diplomatic missions accredited to the Sultanate, sheikhs, dignitaries, editor-in-chiefs of Oman News Agency and local newspapers and representatives of the media from the sisterly and friendly countries.

Oman News Agency