The first major decision Al-Asheikh took was to fire part-time Haia
employees who had been criticized by the public.

Saudi king tells new Haia chief to be lenient with people
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Arab News - 20 January, 2012
http://gitm.kcorp.net/index.php?id=587317&news_type=Top&lang=en

The newly appointed general president of the Commission for Promotion of
Virtue and Prevention of Vice (Haia) Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Asheikh said
Thursday that Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah had ordered
him and his fellow colleagues to be lenient when dealing with people and to
show good will and respect to them.

“The king gave me these clear orders when I went to greet him after my
appointment,” he told local daily Al-Eqtisadiah in an interview.

Al-Asheikh said King Abdullah advised him to always have a fear of Allah
when tackling religious issues concerning the public and to treat citizens
and foreigners with respect and leniency.

“The king also advised me to protect the religion and religious rituals
according to the Holy Qur’an and Sunnah. He advised me to follow the example
of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) of dealing with his followers
through advice and guidance,” he said.

Al-Asheikh said King Abdullah stressed the tolerant and moderate nature of
Islam and asked him to spread the correct understanding of Islam among
people.

The king underlined the importance of the promotion of virtue and prevention
of vice and said it has always been a feature characterizing Saudi society
since the time of King Abdul Aziz, said Al-Asheikh.

Al-Asheikh added he was proud to be a graduate of Minister of Defense and
Aviation Prince Salman’s school of thought when he worked with him while the
prince was Riyadh governor.

“I benefited a lot from Prince Salman’s wisdom, work ethic and subtle
treatment of people,” he said.

The new chief considered citizens and expatriates as partners of the Haia
and said the commission would give its utmost attention to complaints and
information from people all over the Kingdom. He also welcomed their
suggestions to further improve the work of the Haia.

Al-Asheikh invited reporters to come to the Haia’s offices to carry out a
first hand assessment of its activities and help form partnerships in
reporting facts and spreading awareness among society.

“My door is always open to journalists,” he said asking people to pray for
his success.

The first major decision Al-Asheikh took was to fire part-time Haia
employees who had been criticized by the public.