Business & Money | Wednesday 10 June, 2015 1:02 am |

The Shoura Council has dropped a proposal that would have granted the National Anti-Corruption Commission (Nazaha) powers to access the bank accounts of government officials.
Nasir bin Dawood, one of the members who presented the proposal, said the anti-graft body does not have enough powers to effectively fight corruption, a report in a local daily said. For example, it cannot form committees to remove those who encroach on state property, or hold officials accountable inside and outside the Kingdom in cooperation with local and global agencies, said Bin Dawood.
The body was also not able to conduct proper investigations and impose penalties, he said.
Khader Al-Qurashi, a member, reassured worried members that the Shoura Council would evaluate several proposals to change the powers of the Nazaha, which includes issuing penalties and holding back payment of funds.
In another matter, Dalal Al-Harbi, a member, said it was unclear why the Shoura did not discuss her proposal, which called for sermons at the two holy mosques to deal with global issues.
Al-Harbi said the reason behind delay could have been the sensitivity of the matter. She had sent the proposal to the head of the Shoura in February.
Al-Harbi said that Friday sermons at the two holy mosques should not be limited to local matters because Umrah pilgrims come from all parts of the world and are often not interested in domestic issues.
Meanwhile, the Shoura Council has approved a proposal allowing the General Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques to nominate and employ its own workers, count the number of worshippers who enter the mosques, and pay a stipend to field workers.