Abdul Raouf Ar-Rawabdeh, former Jordanian prime minister, said: "e-governance is not a new government that undertakes the responsibilities of the traditional government, but a new approach in the government activities." He was speaking about "e-government and enactment" at the Muscat Municipality and Arab Urban Development Institute (AUDI) organised symposium "e-Government… Opportunities and Challenges" at the Hotel Crown Plaza in Muscat.
Ar-Rawabdeh pointed out that e-government facilitates easy interaction among the government, citizens and establishments.
"It also provides integrated information promptly to all office holders, rationalises the process of decision making, improves performance of government departments and it is a low cost service for the citizens," he added.
He called on the administrative and political leaders in the region to study the trend of e-government with all the seriousness. Because, he added: "It is something positive, developmental and for the future."
At the same time the former Jordanian premier cautioned against temptation to fall for "seductive" styles of computer and software companies, which could lead to a point of no return.
"They will draw beautiful pictures for easy treatment and marvellous results until the client reaches a phase where he cannot draw back," he warned.
He also urged leaders in the Arab world not to adopt typically foreign experiences.
"We should develop what is good and what suits our conditions, our countries, technical, financial and social capabilities," he said, adding that "we (Arabs) should work on improving such conditions".
Dr Mohammed Al Taweel from Saudi Arabia spoke about the role of e-government. He underlined the need for transparency in public life and anti-corruption, which would lead to the creating suitable environment for economic and social development of any country.
Dr John M. Eger from the California Institute for Smart Communities, stressed on the need for e-leadership at the highest level.
"Ownership of change are key to sustaining successful e-government and e-communities," he said. Dr Eger emphasised on the necessity to involve community in both the vision and the plan or else, he warned, "It would fail".
The symposium on e-government is organised by the Muscat Municipality to shed light on the concept of providing services through electronic portals, its application and how to utilise electronic means to develop access to services and information. The symposium ends tomorrow.
Quelle: Gulf News
