RIYADH, April 1: King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia on Saturday vowed gradual reform to bring his country closer to the rest of the world without violating the principles of Islam. “We can’t remain rigid and the world around us is changing,” the monarch said in his first annual address to the all-male advisory Shura since his enthronement last August.

King Abdullah said the envisaged reforms, which would be debated through a state-sponsored national dialogue would seek to ‘meet the desires of society and be in harmony with Islamic law’.

The world’s largest oil exporter will also continue liberalising its economy, fighting graft and poverty and improving public governance, King Abdullah added.

Saudi officials have said they cannot push reforms forward without strong popular backing, reflecting their awareness of possible resistance from the influential religious establishment and significant conservatism in the society.

The king made no reference to widening the Shura council’s prerogatives, as wished by its head Saleh bin Humaid, especially in boosting its scrutiny over the government.

“The council aspires to more prerogatives, especially after authorities launched this year national dialogue on political, social and economic issues,” Saleh bin Humaid told pan-Arab daily Asharq al Awsat.

“The advisory practice in the kingdom has developed with the citizen’s participating with his opinions, suggestions and dialogues in a bid to improve and develop his life”.

Reformers want the council to be at least partly elected, which the government has resisted. But members won the right to propose or challenge new legislation three years ago.

Saudis got their first taste of nationwide polls last year to select 50 per cent of local municipal councils. Authorities appointed the other half.—Reuters