JEDDAH, Oct 21(Arab News): There is confusion over the proposed sacking of the Consumer Protection Society’s (CPS) chairman after it was the revealed that the decision to relieve him has not been confirmed by the relevant authorities.

The society’s executive council voted to fire Muhammad bin Abdul Karim Al-Hamad from all his posts, including chairmanship of executive council and the general assembly, and terminated his membership in the society.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has so far abstained from interfering in the affairs of a civic organization.

Al-Hamad told Arab News that he disputed his sacking, which was revealed during the 15th meeting of the board of directors last Monday. He said he would “wisely and patiently wait for the stand of the concerned authorities toward this excessiveness.”

“There is no article in the statutes of the society giving members the right to sack the chairman of the board of directors,” he said.

“The board of directors that took the decision to relieve me has given themselves authority they do not actually have. They intend to defame me. I reserve my full judicial rights in the future with regard to this matter.”

Critics praised the stance adopted by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and said this is the first position taken by a government department with regard to Saudi civic societies.

Al-Hamad expected a meeting of the general assembly planned for Thursday not to take place because of a lack of quorum.

“In this case, a new date for another meeting will be set and by that time things will be clear,” he said.

The deputy chairman of the society, Nasser Al-Tuwaim, told Arab News the board unanimously voted to sack Al-Hamad under one of its statutes. “There is no going back on our decision,” he said.

Al-Tuwaim said nothing has been heard so far from concerned authorities. He thanked the Ministry of Commerce for not interfering in the matter, which he said only concerns the society and other parties that monitor them.

He also expected the emergency meeting of the general assembly, called for by Al-Hamad, not to take place due to a lack of quorum.

“I praise the outgoing chairman for the many good things he has done, but since there was a consensus by all members to sack him, this was done for the good of the society,” he said.

Three members were chosen to run the affairs of the society until a date for the election of a new chairman and board members was fixed.

Al-Tuwaim also said the board members would meet in two weeks time to revise the statutes and rectify any loopholes in them.

A member of the board of directors, Manal Al-Sharif, who also spoke to Arab News, said the chairman was sacked for the many administrative and financial violations he committed. “We tried to find solutions with him for a long time, but he would not listen,” she said.

The CPS was established in February 2008 after being approved by the Council of Ministers. Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah donated SR10 million to the society, which aims to protect the rights of the consumers and enlighten them about their rights.