Crown Prince Saud’s Address at the Consultative Council

“As we praise God Almighty for granting us His grace in this endeavor, we turn with sincere hearts to the founder of our state and the builder of our nation’s glory — our late Sovereign, may God envelop him in mercy and divine favor. He was the one who established this Council in fulfillment of the divine command: ‘And their affairs are conducted by mutual consultation among them.’”

Brothers,

“Today you begin a new year in the life of this esteemed Council, leaving behind the past year and the years before it — years filled with beneficial resolutions and valuable legislative projects. This Council undertook all of that in service of the mission for which it was founded: sincere service to this nation, driven by its need for advancement and progress.”

“We are confident that you enter this new year with the same dedication we have always known in you — a deep concern for the welfare of the people and a firm resolve to fulfill the great responsibilities entrusted to you. There is no doubt that you will reach this noble goal, for you possess sound judgment and the ability to weigh matters with the scale of national honor and public interest.”

Brothers,

“This gathering offers us a welcome opportunity to present to you what we have accomplished — and what we are determined to accomplish — during our time among you: general reforms and development projects encompassing all vital sectors of the country — cultural, economic, health, agricultural, social, and moral.”

“We have organized these projects into programs with defined timelines, prioritizing the most important. You have reviewed these plans, which aim to elevate the nation, advance it along the path of progress and honor, and provide the means of dignified living for its people — lifting them from the hardship of poverty, the darkness of ignorance, and the suffering of illness.”

Brothers,

“You share our view that reform is a demanding endeavor — a difficult path requiring continuous effort, vigilant oversight, and sincere cooperation from all segments of society for its fruits to be realized and its benefits to spread.”

“Yet we are determined to achieve it, relying on God, seeking His aid, and trusting in your sincerity and support. With God’s permission, we shall overcome every obstacle with strength and resolve. The march of reform continues, and the wheel of development will, by God’s help, break through all barriers.”

“We are confident — God willing — that we will reach our goals as long as our guiding principle remains sincerity in serving the nation, elevating its status, and restoring our people to the place worthy of their history and their honor among nations.”

“What reassures us is that, by God’s grace, we have already achieved much of what we set out to accomplish.”

He continued:

“Among these reforms is the improvement of the judicial system. We have established regulations to expedite the resolution of cases in the Sharia courts and ensure justice. We have also focused on strengthening Sharia rulings and improving public morals, for these are among the most essential foundations of national reform — no structure can stand without a firm base.”

“We have taken measures to reduce customs duties on essential goods so that every citizen may obtain his needs of food and clothing. For while moral values are vital to building society, material conditions also play a clear role in strengthening it. We have also planned economic and agricultural projects to support this goal.”

“At the same time, we assure everyone that we have taken steps to prevent injustice against any innocent person and to ensure that no one is punished without cause.”

“Let all know that the government’s door is always open to every complaint or grievance. We are ready at all times to receive any petitioner and hear his case. We want every citizen to feel secure in his rights and protected in his dignity. No one has authority over another except within the bounds of Sharia — with no distinction between great and small, rich and poor.”

“We also emphasize that every official must complete the affairs of citizens promptly and in accordance with Sharia and the law. He has no right to delay them or mistreat them.”

A final word:

“Success in development and reform cannot be achieved unless each of you — indeed, every person entrusted with an official or national duty — fulfills his responsibility with virtue, devotion to truth and justice, and adherence to what pleases Islamic law, not what pleases personal whims.”

“Truth, justice, and the Muhammadan Sharia are the sharp sword that purifies hearts of resentment and unites them. They are the strong force that elevates the nation and enables our state to be great, our people honored, and our homeland fortified and dignified.”

“We call upon you — as you have always been — to be exemplary models for your fellow citizens in righteous action and sincere service for the good of the nation and the happiness of the people.”

He concluded:

“Before ending my remarks, I must express — with a heart full of sorrow — that I will soon depart this blessed land in a few days, God willing. I take this opportunity to convey to you, and to the noble people, my deep gratitude for the sincere loyalty and genuine affection you have shown.”

“I shall always remember this with appreciation and joy, and my eyes will remain watchful in ensuring the implementation of the projects that will bring benefit and prosperity to this noble nation.”

“I entrust you to God. Peace and God’s mercy and blessings be upon you.”