Don’t phone in anti-graft complaints

RIYADH: Complaints to the anti-graft commission should be genuine and accompany the identity of the person who makes the allegation, a statement of the body said Thursday.

“The National Anti-corruption Commission will accept only written complaints which should be mailed to it at 7667 Al-olaya, Al-ghadir district, Riyadh 2525-13311 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, or by fax to 01/265555 or in the form of a phonogram,” said chairman of the commission Muhammad Al-shareef.

Al-shareef urged people to report to the commission any corrupt practices they notice in any government department. However, the commission will not accept any complaints made by telephone, the commission chief said. “A man who makes a complaint about bribery can report the matter in person at the commission’s office if he cannot send it in the form of a document,” the chairman said.

The official added the report should be addressed to him, and should contain the full name and signature of the person who makes the report. The allegation should be clear and specific. It should also supply telephone number of the person who makes the allegation.

He also warned that those who make false charges would be subjected to appropriate legal action. A person should also not make a complaint about a particular issue twice.

The person should also enclose any evidence to support his charges if available. Al-shareef also assured the public that the commission will not reveal the identity of the person who makes a complaint unless prior permission is given.

Another condition is that the complainant should not publish his complaint in the media or in any other manner, as a documented complaint received by the commission is considered a highly confidential document, he said.