THE message of the new president of the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice (Hai'a) to the commission's staff was not a mere motto.

The expression 'Promotion of virtue with virtue and prevention of vice without vice' reflects a work approach.

Dr Abul Lateef Aal Al-Sheikhwill lead Hai'a in putting that expression into practice, which means the commission will continue its taskto promote virtue and prevent vice without its staff getting involved in some wrongdoings themselves.

This reflects the many changes in our social outlook, particularly among young men and women, as the kingdom marches towards the road of progress. Any society, including our society, can neither be described as absolutely good nor absolutely evil.Values are often said to be relative, so it is necessary to bridge some differences and agree on changing norms without abandoning the old virtues that we hold dear. If this measure is carried out and it should be carried out it will open the door wide for reconciliation of some differences in social outlook andthe responsibilities that go ... with it.

In an interview ...

the Hai'a chief, who was appointed by aroyal decree to head the organisation on Friday, did not elaborate on what he plans to do, saying that he wanted to emphasise on 'deeds and not words'.

Carrying out this task is not easy as it is almost daunting to narrow the difference in people's outlooks ... and at the same time adopt enlightened reforms while defending some old values. ...—(Jan 16)