OUTLOOK — By Majed Al Sulaimany — After my last week article titled "Living together as one in peace and harmony!" I had received considerable response on my websites, including some personal e-mails and messages. Overall, there was support for what was written. I found it very encouraging that some sympathising responses and support were from broadminded, objective, pragmatic and secular foreigners too! Oman was indicated as an example and a 'beacon of hope' for mankind on how people can live together in peace, love and harmony — apart from the respect and esteem given to foreigners in the country!
However, like in most cases, there were some dissenting forces and I find the following as one of the strongest. As an administrator of my own blogs, I do accept that the names given are 'perhaps not real' but this does not bother me at all as I look more on the content than who is sending it!
One of the contributors had said: “I have read some of the articles. The best part I enjoy most is that you write from the bottom of your heart. All the information is based on your 35 years of experience and not from stories told by friends or read from books.”
“Your writing skills are excellent. I pray you succeed in your dreams and that day when all positions are filled with qualified Omanis only.”
In my book A Cry For Help! (www.myown-ebooks.com) I have highlighted the problems and issues being faced by qualified and educated young Omanis — especially when they want to join — or are accepted in 'by pointing a barrel of a gun' to take them in so to speak — excuse the melodrama! Even qualified and fully experienced Omanis for that matter! That is why I wrote the book, so my conscience can be clear that I have done my part in saying it 'as it is'!
After the book was published, it was the last time that I received any job offers. Even temporary and or consultancy, and any that I received after that did not last much longer. I was a victim of my own situation and circumstances. Sadly and tragically from even fellow Omanis, GMs and others — because they are susceptible to receive the advice and counsel of the 'active foreign hands' — so to speak! In one well known case somebody I thought was a friend and whom I had confided on regarding my misgivings, was God forgive me — perhaps instrumental after he met with this GM I knew well before. I was told to leave within half an hour.
Though truthfully, leaving aside some of the 'bad eggs' the majority are indifferent and may even be supportive on the sidelines — as they seem to think this will work to their advantages. But let us not forget also the die-hards, old guards and top management owners, especially family-run businesses also allow these things to happen!
In one of the places where a family member was looking for a visa for even business travel — not holidays — an official sarcastically asked him if “you belong to that guy who seems to write a lot in newspapers?” Actually it is only one newspaper but people are free to say what they want to, especially when they think they are in-charge and in-control! I had a good mind to go and meet him but then I remembered I had better things to do than bang my head against brick walls!
I am still that much sure and convinced that a time will come when people will wish they had been more fair, professional and ethical in their attitude. Hopefully before I die! But after my books, and seeing all the things happening around us, when one or two send me messages like above I believe my work has been done and my conscience is clear.
Even the book on Road Safety — Behind The Wheel! with just few exceptions — took a beating. Yet we all know how bad the state of driving has become — and the increased road accidents, tragedies and fatalities — yet a noble and worthy cause too. What more I can say now?
Take Care!
