RIYADH: Since assuming office as Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques last year, King Salman’s leadership has seen deep political insight and dedicated efforts to serve the Kingdom and its citizens.
During his first year in office, King Salman has taken major policy decisions for the benefit of the country and its citizens across the socioeconomic and political spectrum.
He ordered merger of some ministries, creation of new bodies and appointments in various organs of the state, and replaced others with new blood in the interest of the country.
King Salman created two councils linked with the Council of Ministers, namely, the Council of Political and Security Affairs, headed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Naif, and the Council of Economic Affairs and Development, headed by Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
King Salman issued an order that repealed several departments in a move to rebuild state institutions: the Higher Committee for Education Policy including the Higher Committee for Administrative Organization, the Civil Service Council, the supreme body of King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Higher Education Council and universities, the Supreme Education Council, the Council of Petroleum and Mineral Affairs, the Supreme Economic Council, the National Security Council, the Supreme Council for the King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy, the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, the Supreme Council for Disabled Affairs.
For housing, he allocated SR20 billion for the implementation of electricity and water services, of which SR14 billion has been set aside for electricity, and another SR6 billion for water-related schemes.
He ordered release of two months’ basic salary for all state employees, civilians and military personnel, and two months’ stipends for students in public education inside and outside the Kingdom in addition to two months’ pension for retirees and those under the General Organization for Social Insurance.
King Abdullah issued a royal amnesty for prisoners in general that includes an amnesty exemption from fines not exceeding SR500,000.
