Words of wisdom always come from wise minds and visionary leadership, especially when it comes to the governance of a country.
Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani’s address inaugurating the 49th ordinary session of the Shura Council yesterday has yet again proved the vision of a confident leader when a country is passing through trying times of a pandemic which is strangulating the whole world.While the address summed up the efforts and achievements of the country in confronting and effectively beating the COVID-19 pandemic domestically and the country’s efforts in helping several fellow nations to tackle the pandemic, the first election to the Shura Council of Qatar slated for next year and different efforts in diversifying the economy, it also dealt with pressing international issues such as climate change, anti-terror fight and the Palestinian cause to name a few.
Qatar can be proud of being one of the few countries in braving the COVID-19 pandemic successfully without disrupting the normal life and causing much damage to the economic activities in the country. As H H the Amir said, the “correctness of our resilient choice, which sacrifices neither people’s health nor the economy, became clear” these days. Qatar can be proud of its wise investment in developing one of the best health care system in the world. During the pandemic the country extended an exemplary free and equal treatment to all the infected people whether they are citizens or residents. H H the Amir reminded the country that the pandemic is still here and strictly adhering to the precautionary measures is very essential.
The address stressed the need of being vigilant about the economy as the dwindling oil prices and the pandemic are doing unprecedented damage to the sector the world over. Qatar has taken preventive steps to save the economy with measures such as the allocation of QR75bn to support the private sector and removing all obstacles facing the sector to maintain business continuity. H H the Amir exhorted those who work in the government sector to provide their best in serving the nation, reminding them that a government job is not an entitlement, but a national duty.
H H the Amir said that the first election to the Advisory Council will be held in October next year, adding: “We are taking an important stride to strengthen the traditions of the Qatari Shura and developing the legislative process through a wider participation of citizens”.
It is the duty of citizens and residents of the country to take heed to the call extended by the Amir and redouble their efforts in taking Qatar to the next level of excellence.
