Dahabi gov’t resigns; Samir Rifai appointed PM

AMMAN (JT) – His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday named Samir Rifai as the new prime minister, succeeding outgoing prime minister Nader Dahabi.

In a letter of appointment sent to prime minister-designate Rifai, the Monarch instructed him to form a new Cabinet that will build on Jordan’s achievements and will address shortcomings through an institutional programme based on a clear agenda with performance indicators “that ensure the translation of our vision of reform into reality” .

Emphasising his commitment to continuing the process of reform and modernisation, the King said the formation of the new Cabinet must be inspired by a seamless work plan that identifies specific objectives in every sector and defines timelines for the implementation and achievement of these objectives.

“Ministers should be chosen according to the criteria of competence, efficiency and commitment to the priorities of the next phase, the conditions confronting this phase and the practical plans for implementation,” the Monarch said in his letter to Rifai.

To realise the desired results of the reform and modernisation process, the King instructed Rifai to present, no later than two months after the government’s formation, a work plan for every ministry after being discussed and adopted by the Cabinet to “ensure that everyone works as one harmonious team, with a clear vision and aware of the expectations of it”.

King Abdullah, who dissolved the Lower House in late November and demanded that the government amend the country’s controversial Elections Law before holding early elections, said the next elections, which should be held no later than the last quarter of 2010, “constitute a major step in developing our democratic performance and strengthening public participation in the political development process”.

“Your government’s main task is to take the necessary steps, including amending the Elections Law and improving electoral procedures, to ensure that the next elections are a qualitative leap in our development and modernisation process,” the King said.

In the letter, King Abdullah instructed the prime minister-designate to issue a code of honour based on the Constitution and the law that clarifies the moral and legal criteria that the ministers must be committed to throughout their public service.

“This document will be a public document and an additional reference for Jordanians in judging the performance of the ministerial team,” said the King.

His Majesty added that the government should also issue a similar document to which all public servants at every level must commit.

King Abdullah expressed hope that the new Parliament would also issue a similar document so as to reassure Jordanians that the relationship between the executive and legislative authorities is governed by criteria that serve the public interest and that are not hostage to narrow considerations.

Earlier in the day, His Majesty accepted the resignation of Dahabi, who had served as premier since 2007, along with his government.

Dahabi said that the outgoing government tried its best to execute the King’s directives and vision to serve the country and its people, saying he was honoured to be close to King Abdullah and to learn from him .

A Royal Decree was issued yesterday directing the secretaries general of the various ministries to conduct the ministries’ business until the newly appointed prime minister has completed the formation of the new government.

Born in 1966, Rifai obtained his bachelor’s degree in Middle East studies from Harvard University in the US and a master’s degree in international relations from Cambridge University in the UK.

Rifai, son of Senate President Zeid Rifai and grandson of former prime minister Samir Rifai, was appointed secretary general of the Royal Hashemite Court in 1999, and also led His Majesty’s Press Office and Communications Department earlier.

In 2003, he was appointed the minister of the Royal Court, and in 2005, became adviser to King Abdullah, a post he held until he assumed the post of CEO at Jordan Dubai Capital in 2005.

jordantimes