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Clerics issue warning over rising inflation
A group of Saudi Muslim clerics has issued a rare warning to Saudi leaders that they must take action to curb rising inflation, which has prompted public anger at the absolute monarchy.
A near fivefold increase in oil prices over the past five years has helped the government log large budget surpluses, but Saudis are feeling the pinch from a surge in prices of basic foodstuffs in recent months mainly due to a fall in the US dollar to which the riyal currency is pegged.
Annual inflation accelerated to 5.35% in October, its highest in at least 10 years and Saudis are looking to their rulers to take action, but the dollar peg forces central banks in the oil-exporting region to track US monetary policy.
In internet forums where they can express views with anonymity, Saudis have blamed the US-allied government's insistence on pegging the riyal to the US dollar.
"We direct this message to the rulers and officials: we remind you of Prophet Mohammad's words that you are shepherds who are responsible for your flock," the group of 19 well-known clerics, including Nasser Al-Omar, said in a statement.
"The rulers should seek to try to remedy this crisis in a way that would ease people's suffering," it said, proposing measures including raising subsidies, removing some fees on services and offering direct financial help to families.
Several of the signatories teach at Islamic universities.
The statement, posted on Islamic websites, did not ask for an increase in public wages, a route Saudis have seen other Gulf Arab countries follow.
Some major companies have decided to raise wages by up to 40% to offset the impact of rising prices. The government this month raised subsidies on rice and baby milk.
The statement also warned merchants against exploiting the situation by hoarding commodities and said consumers should rein in spending and give more Islamic alms.
"This crisis will have a negative impact on all levels, causing theft, cheating, armed robbery, and resentment between rich and poor," the statement said.
Wealth distribution remains a problem in Saudi Arabia, where members of the royal family and businessmen have been listed by Forbes magazine as among the richest people in the world, while some civil servants earn around 1,000 riyals ($266) a month.
Conservative Saudi Arabia has no political parties, limiting the public avenues for expressing discontent at government policy. But the clerical establishment enjoys a position of power and influence in society and on government. (Reuters)
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