Peaceful transfer of corruption [Archives:2006/923/Opinion]
By: Ali Al-Garadi
An average of 7 or 8 ministers have rotated posts in the 15 years since 1990 reunification. Some believe such acts are positive to renew political life and allow more opportunity for youthful ability and efficiency.
However, from my point of view, this occurrence represents a picture of the peaceful transfer of political and administrative corruption. In addition to many considerations, the most important is that the appointed ministers come from other ministries and unrelated specializations. Consequently, they appear strange, lacking experience and knowledge, and therefore, require many years to understand their ministries' issues and strategies. Once they acquire such experience, they find themselves in a new and different situation, facing political and geographic considerations, as well as pressure from other forces.
Among compelling reasons to judge the cabinet reshuffle as merely a peaceful transfer of corruption is that some ministers were named in Central Organization for Control and Audit (COCA) reports, yet were granted ministerial posts.
Additionally, financial costs accompany any appointment of a new minister and his aides from among his family and relatives, which causes huge confusion. Another example is canceling the previous minister's policies and other executive leaders to be in harmony with the new minister's mood.
Most appointments are not based on principles of efficiency and experience, but rather on principles of political allegiance to the ruler and other influential individuals. A geographic factor is considered when distributing such posts in terms of geographic partnership.
Due to these reasons, I am pessimistic about any government changes or amendments, as long as protecting corrupt individuals is clear-cut government policy.
If there is a will to reform, stop deterioration and calm international community concerns – as expressed by U.S., British, German and Dutch ambassadors during last week's meeting with President Saleh – then the solution is to make a political decision to uncover corrupt officials, leaving them without political cover before public opinion, free press and the judiciary, about which people cast doubt on its independence and neutrality.
Let us see the consequences if any single corrupt official stands trial or is punished. If this happens, ministers and executive leaders will be reformed. But as the policy of changing ministers' faces is accompanied by other policies to protect corrupt officials, Yemen's future will remain unknown.
Ali Al-Garadi is a Yemeni journalist and the head of the media committee of Yemeni Journalist Syndicate.
Email: [email protected]
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[archive-e:923-v:14-y:2006-d:2006-02-23-p:opinion]
