Saudi Civil Defense head says he welcomes media criticism 

(MENAFN - Arab News) Lt. Gen. Saad Al-Tuwaijeri, director general of Civil Defense has said he welcomes media criticism and proposals for the better service of the people.

"Any official who cannot take criticism should quit his position," Al-Tuwaijeri said while addressing a periodic meeting of the public relations officials and media persons in Riyadh.

Al-Tuwaijeri also expressed his desire to build a stronger partnership between Civil Defense and the media. "The media has a large role to play in spreading the culture of prevention of dangers. It is also the media that take awareness and guidance messages to the people at times of emergencies."

He said he used to instruct directorates of Civil Defense in all provinces to cooperate with the media and provide prompt replies to inquiries made by media reporters regarding accidents so that people always learn the truth in stead of listening to rumors, Al-Riyadh daily reported on Saturday.

"We carefully follow what is published in the print and electronic media and also on social networking sites. We then analyze the content and suggestions of reports in order to benefit from them and present our best service to the people," Al-Tuwaijeri said.

He said Civil Defense valued media recommendations and observations, which are helpful to improve service quality of its men.

He added that he was happy with the increasing trend of citizens including academicians, writers and journalists to the Civil Defense's internet and social networking sites.