The Need For Soul-Search and Self Analysis!

The Need For Soul-Search and Self Analysis!

Dear Brothers in the AGCC – remember the rest of us in your choices and preferences. Give us chances, breaks and opportunities too, like you give the same to those others – but who may not care and feel for you like we do.

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This column is directed to our Brothers in the Arabian Gulf Co-operative Council, commonly known as the AGCC. This is especially to the Decision Makers and the Leadership.

Dear Brothers and Sisters;

After Compliments;

Perhaps some of you may not know it – but we Omanis are now all educated and qualified, and professionals of all kinds – from Technicians, Engineers, Pilots, Doctors, Nurses, Management, Accountants, IT Experts, Human Resources Professionals – you name it, we have got it.

Oman was one of the leading countries in the Gulf that has reserved some certain categories and professionals for its nationals, like PROs, Secretaries, Human Resources Managers and others in H R etc. In actual fact we were even amongst the first ones to create a sole Ministry for Manpower. Today Oman has been a leader in many ideas, concepts, plans, innovations, technology and ‘the move forward’ (some very daring and risk taking!) There are others who have to still follow and are left behind.

Omanis today hold their heads high in self-esteem, pride and honour – thanks to the benevolent rule of our Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, May Allah Give him long life and health to continue to lead with his wise, benevolent and far seeing ideas and actions – Amin. The days when we held our heads low in shame, self-esteem and in decadence and self-pity and worry are all over.

In short, as Omanis we ‘have taken control’ of our own rightful roles, direction, control and destiny. We have never allowed others who have pretended to be our brothers, friends or ‘who care for us’ to interfere and take over our rightful role, destiny and control – especially from some ‘who pretend to be with us as brothers and friends’ – when all the time it is ‘for their own personal selfish preservations, control and rule’ per se!

Nor have we allowed them to hoodwink, fool or ridicule us by petty tomfoolery, tricks unconventional and unethical styles, though not that they have not tried, and unfortunately yes – there have been and will still be some takers, no doubt – it cannot be avoided, but anyway they are a few in numbers and it is dwindling day by day.

Oman, as you all know, is a young nation – with over 60% of the nation as young peoples below the age of 18 (to be verified soon in the next census). And of course do not forget the ‘first democratically run’ Majlis Shura elections, to start in a few days time. Not only Omanis inside, but also even those in the AGCC and other countries will have the chance and opportunity to vote also. This includes our women folk too.

In Oman today advertisements for jobs ‘reserved only for xyz educated’ or ‘only xyz’ can apply are shunned and discouraged. When an Omani comes very near to the expatriate candidate all around in not reserved jobs, he or she is taken instead.

In Oman today we have ladies who are Ministers, Under Secretaries, CEOs, Managers and powerful and influential business ladies and executives too. Omani ladies ‘drive as rough and or as fast’ as their male colleagues. In short, we are proud of our country and our achievements. Our Security Services from Army, Defense, Police etc are all manned by local Omanis themselves.

In short we are again to repeat it – hold our heads high in self esteem and pride. Nor do we allow ourselves ‘to judge all others as one type and group’ judged on a few bad apples or cases. We are all flexible, moderate, objective and pragmatic dynamic in approach, foresight and in focus too.

So dear brothers and sisters, it is time we took ‘stock of our own, self analyse ourselves’ and act as one caring and feeling family unit. To be treated with due respect, esteem and you name it. At least we would sincerely care, feel and act as we are in our own land, ready to defend and sacrifice ourselves - as already proved in several occasions too. We are your brothers and friends, not the opposite. Do not listen to ‘those who want to divide and split us’.

What we are talking about here is to help and assist each other. Our Islamic Religion and Faith teaches us to feel and have charity to begin in the home first, and when there are ‘extras or spill over’ to consider YOUR NEXT DOOR NEIGHBOUR, not another from another town or village altogether. We are talking here of jobs that we in AGCC that we can give preference to our own first, followed by the others in the AGCC, especially for the increasing numbers of youths looking for job opportunities wherever they can find it.

Dear Brothers in the AGCC – remember the rest of us in your choices and preferences. Give us chances, breaks and opportunities too, like you give to those others – but who may not care and feel for you like we do.

It is incumbent on our leadership to see that the causes and aspirations of the AGCC are met fairly squarely on the head. Our hopes, aspirations and dreams – we share all of them with you.

May Allah SWT Guide us always in the right clean – Amin.

(This article had appeared in the Oman Daily Observer dated October 1st 2003).

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