Oman has just celebrated its 54th National Day. The emotions evoked by the well-being, success and good fortune as well as by the prospect of possessing what Omanis desire are immeasurable. The small felicities and absurdities of real life do not disturb the serenity and happiness of their days.
This is partially because Omanis are well known for their tendency to avoid unnecessary trouble, stress and negativity in their life. Omanis enjoy a life that can best be described as one that is marked by features of absence of hostility, withdrawal and pessimism.
But the most important aspect is that Omanis are blessed to have a wise leader, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, whose leadership has been characterised by deep understanding and keen discernment.
Oman is guided by vision 2040 which focuses primarily on the human aspect as it is the main pillar within the society with all its peculiarities of common traditions, institutions, and collective activities and interests.
The wise Omani government, under the leadership of His Majesty the Sultan, is active and effective in social and economic functions rather than merely maintaining peace and order. The government always endeavours to confer prosperity and happiness upon Omani people.
Omanis know by heart that His Majesty the Sultan has the capacity for sound judgment which other nations dream of. They are also certain that their Sultan exercises sound judgment, whose orders which have the force of law shall never be arrived at without careful consideration and judgment.
An inspiring leader with a compassionate heart towards his people, His Majesty the Sultan has taken the social protection scheme as one of his top urgent priorities over the last four years.
The scheme accords a higher value and a superior position to social privileges that various categories within the society may benefit from.
There is no doubt that the social protection scheme produces good and helpful results and that it promotes the welfare and well-being of Omani people, as it provides financial help in time of sickness, old age, disability or unemployment.
Financially struggling families can greatly benefit from the scheme, which is aimed to bring comfort and solace to indigent families. Members of the society, who experience significant financial hardship and cannot meet their basic needs, such as food, housing, education, find the scheme as a way out for them.
The Social Protection System is meant to prevent Omani families from being in a state of economic vulnerability or in need of support and assistance. It is a generous gesture from His Majesty the Sultan, whose decisions concerning his people are kind, thoughtful and magnanimous.
Such a gesture also reflects the empathy, support and leadership that His Majesty has. Providing a safe haven, the Social Protection System removes and lightens distressing situations that people may go through, a matter that reflects a sense of trust, stability and support.
It reliably affords and at the same time provides access to what is needed to meet people’s basic needs, constituting a dependable resource during times of financial hardship, and a source to which people have recourse, if they experience difficult circumstances.
Musallam Al Maani
The writer is Dean of Al Zahra College for Women
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