Naif's appointment hailed as recognition for his leadership qualities

Riyadh: Prince Naif bin Abdul Aziz's appointment as the second deputy premier of Saudi Arabia is widely acclaimed as a wise step taken by the top leadership. King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz issued a decree on Friday appointing him as second deputy premier, a post vacant after the death of King Fahd bin Abdul Aziz in 2005.

Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz, who was then second deputy premier and minister of defence and aviation, was appointed as the crown prince. The new appointment means that he is second to the throne, after Crown Prince Sultan.

King Abdullah appointed Prince Naif as per paragraph A of Article 55 of the Basic Governing System of Saudi Arabia that gives the monarch, who is also the prime minister, power to appoint deputies and members of the Cabinet.

Naif Al Shamri, a Saudi political analyst, said that the royal decision is recognition of the statesmanship and administrative capabilities of Prince Naif, who has been serving in various capacities at the top hierarchy of the Kingdom's ruling dynasty for more than half a century.

"He had served as deputy minister of interior and then state minister of interior before being elevated to the minister of interior. All these positions have given him an opportunity to prove his efficiencies, capabilities, and talents as an administrator and head of the Kingdom's security apparatus," he said.

The appointment of Prince Naif has ended the rumours being circulated about this position in the wake of the health condition of Prince Sultan, who is undergoing treatment in the United States after a successful surgery.

The official statement, carried by the Saudi Press Agency, did not mention whether the appointment was made after endorsement from the Allegiance Commission, headed by King Abdullah's half brother Prince Mishaal.

The Commission, which was formed to discuss the succession matters in the royal family, has been reconstituted by the King in September, 2008.

Prince Naif, who serves as the interior minister of Saudi Arabia for more than 34 years, has been at the helm of combating terrorism and extremist ideologies in the Kingdom since 2001.

He has been successful in leading the battle against Al Qaida terrorists, who posed an immense threat to the fabric of Saudi Arabia, and clipping their wings to a great extent. Prince Naif has also been at the forefront of international relations with numerous countries and has played a key role in fostering excellent neighbourly relations.

He also involved in landmark women empowerment decisions in the Kingdom. As the chairman of the Supreme Haj Committee, Prince Naif is in the forefront of Saudi efforts to offer the best possible services for the Haj pilgrims and make the Kingdom's Haj plan a resounding success.