Saudi Arabia intends to make changes to its national anthem and its green flag emblazoned with a sword.
According to the Associated Press, quoting the Saudi state media, late last Monday, the advisory council and the elected kingdom voted in favor of the changes. This is while the young crown prince of this country has always emphasized nationality and national pride.
According to the report, the decisions of this council have nothing to do with the laws and structures in Saudi Arabia, but this vote is considered important in that the members of the council are appointed by the king and their decisions are often ultimately in the hands of the Saudi king.
Other local media outlets have also reported that the changes are in favor of reforming the system governing the national flag, slogan and anthem. The Advisory Council did not provide further details on the decision.
The media also said that the proposed changes were aimed at defining more clearly the correct uses of the state emblem, raising awareness of the importance of the flag and the national anthem, and protecting the flag from disrespect or neglect.
Saudi police last week arrested four Bangladeshi men for insulting the Saudi flag after it was allegedly thrown in the trash.
The Saudi state news agency says the Shura Council has voted to approve a draft amendment to the nearly 50-year-old ruling royal flag. The amendment was proposed by council member Saad al-Otaibi and was considered by a subcommittee before being discussed among council members.
The proposal comes amid rapid reforms that have transformed the ultra-conservative country.
The flag of Saudi Arabia since 1973 with the slogan “La ilaha illa Allah. Muhammad, the Messenger of God, and the role of the sword has been recognized.
In the absence of a free press, the proposal of the Shura Council is presented to King Salman for a formal investigation. Reporters Without Borders says there is no independent media in Saudi Arabia and that repression has intensified under the new Crown Prince.
Why does the Prince of Saudi Arabia change the flag and anthem of his country?
Muhammad bin Salman, the Crown Prince and Prince of Saudi Arabia, has continued to take corrective measures and set rules for the use of the national flag and anthem.
According to Saudi media reports, the purpose of the proposed changes is to increase the public awareness of a clearer definition of how to use the flag correctly. It is towards the national flag and anthem and to prevent disrespect for them.
