| The Journalists' Syndicate is
paralyzed. It doesn't function. Even worse, it has not been able to organize its congress
to elect a new leadership. The Lawyers' Syndicate is in shambles. The last congress
witnessed so many irregularities that the very legitimacy of the current leadership is
being questioned. The Medical Doctor's Syndicate witnessed massive state intervention in
order to elect a politically acceptable leadership, but which proved to be incompetent.
The Syndicate of Engineers is defunct. It is not working. The teachers have two
syndicates, each controlled by either of the two largest political parties. The list can
go on and on. The basic problem is interference by
the state, often using decoys and the Political Security Office (PSO). In the past, when
there was an ideological power struggle, it may have been possible to see why such
interference took place, given the influence of such syndicates and unions. But now, it is
neither logical nor understandable why professional NGOs are not allowed to grow and
function independently of the state and the wishes of politicians.
It is my belief that grass-roots level organizations such
as unions and syndicates are vital contributors to the system because of their broad-based
interaction. They give tangible meaning to popular participation within a democratic
context. Therefore, any effort to broaden the participation base of decision-making in
this country should, in part, involve the unions and syndicates. This means letting these
organizations do their job.
The authorities need to understand that it is in the best
interests of the country and the democratization process to de-politicize the NGOs and to
let them do their work. The test to the possibility of this re-orientation will take place
shortly. The Medical Doctor's Syndicate will hold its next congress in July. The
journalists may hold their congress before the year is out.
It is of course evident that the unions and syndicates are
centers of power and influence. But that is normal in a system that declares itself to be
pluralist and open for fair competition by all. If those in power want to control
everything, this can hardly be called a democracy or pluralist. It becomes a central
dictatorship. In other words, it is part of the game to allow different participants to
exercise varying levels of influence in the system.
In addition, strong syndicates will protect and guide
their members, and will contribute to the growth and prosperity of the profession they
represent. It would also set norms and standards for business conduct in the profession.
For example, lucrative professions like those of medical doctors, engineers, lawyers,
etc., generally command low esteem and respect among the public. In part, this is due to
the lack of a focal organization that promotes and nurtures the profession.
The past mentality of a central body controlling all
aspects of our public life is no more valid. We can show we understand this new reality by
enabling the syndicates run their show.
Prof. Dr. Abdulaziz AL-SAQQAF
Editor-in-Chief and Publisher |