Analysts ridicule 'anonymous' plea for protest.
Saudi intellectuals demand reforms.
Dubai Saudi intellectuals, academics and Islamic scholars have asked the Saudi monarch to adopt political, economic and social reforms as analysts ridiculed the "anonymous" call to hold a protest in the kingdom next month.
The statement, signed by hundreds came a day after the return of King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz after undergoing treatment on Wednesday.
It said: "Our country greatly needs a serious, rapid and grassroots reforms that would boost the unity of our homeland, keeps its achievements, and guarantees its stability and security."
According to the list of demands, which was posted on some websites, the group asked to have a consultative council with its members elected, introduce judicial reforms and give it total independence, ruthlessly fight corruption, adopt swift measures to solve youth problems including unemployment and provide houses for them, amend the laws and regulations of publications, allow the participation of the public to express their opinion and the release of all the prisoners of conscience.
Thursday's call came a few days after a group of Saudi youth also called for reforms in the kingdom, including taking steps to guarantee equality among citizens and the sovereignty of the law.
"It is obvious that Saudis were influenced with what is happening in the region," commented a Saudi analyst in reference to the wave of demands of more reforms and rights that is sweeping Arab countries since the revolution in Tunisia and Egypt.
Libya is witnessing a bloody revolution after the Libyan leadership used force to quell protests calling for Muammar Gaddafi to step down.
"All the demands in the kingdom don't include any call or even a hint for a regime change," added the analyst.
Cabinet reshuffle
Sources in Saudi Arabia told Gulf News that there are expectations, even before the king's return on Wednesday, that the monarch will introduce some reforms and reshuffle the cabinet upon his return.
Some new faces are expected to join the government, according to the sources.
Many observers and political experts noted that no one questions the legitimacy of the Saudi regime, and that the king is popular.
By Jumana Al Tamimi
