No room for corrupt in government, society - Sheikh Mohammed

The allegations of corruption involving three senior UAE national Dubai customs officials have "deeply saddened" General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defence Minister.

In an interview with the Sharjah-based Arabic newspaper Al Khaleej, Sheikh Mohammed said there was no place in government and society for the corrupt.

"Corrupt officials are like weeds which must be uprooted so that plants can grow," he said. Sheikh Mohammed was commenting on the arrest of Dubai's head of customs Dr Obaid Saqr Busit and his two top aides three days ago on charges of administrative and financial corruption.

The other accused are Ali Hassan Foulath, Director of Hamriya Port and Customs Centre; Khalifa Ali bin Ghilaita, Director of the Dubai Customs Automobile Zone, and three Pakistanis, Abdul Nabi Bankash Haji Ghulum, Shahid and Iqbal.

Sheikh Mohammed said the allegations had not shaken his faith in the abilities of young UAE nationals to run the country. He said he had complete trust in their worthiness and ability to take responsibility.

"We are proud of our youths and their roles in serving their country. They are praiseworthy." Sheikh Mohammed said a corruption case involving a few officials, and such cases in the past or the future, were the exception that confirms the integrity of those who undertake their duties with honour like a judge in court or a soldier who goes to war.

"Fighting administrative and all other forms of corruption is an unshakable approach in running public affairs, established by our true religion. This approach has stemmed from our values and traditions and is recommended by the President His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai."

Sheikh Mohammed said that the government had established a mechanism to arrest corrupt officials and to bring them to court "to protect our society from any harmful member and to keep the integrity of the administrative machinery and the public interest.

"We are determined to keep the environment of work clean so that sincerity, transparency, efficiency and equal chances prosper." Sheikh Mohammed urged civil servants in all administrative levels to perform their duties in the best way "because they are the vigilant guards for rights of society and individuals."

He praised the performance of the Anti-Corruption Unit and said they are young people who put service to their country and society before their personal interests and they arrest people on hard evidence and not on mere suspicion as they fear God.

Despite the gathering of solid evidence, Sheikh Mohammed said the final verdict in the corruption case would be determined by the court. The evidence had been referred to the Public Prosecutor which would open an investigation.

Sheikh Mohammed said he was satisfied with the integrity of the administrative machinery of the country. Meanwhile, Minister of Justice and Islamic Affairs and Endowments Nakhira Al Dhaheri has said that a commission will be set up to combat corruption.

Speaking in the Abu Dhabi based Al Ittihad newspaper, Dhaheri said his ministry was holding talks with Dubai police on the setting up of the commission. He also said an anti-corruption law was being studied and promised tough action against those convicted of corruption.