New Saudi King Salman Puts in Place Major Reforms Barely a Week in Power

Jan 30, 2015 04:30 AM EST

(Photo : ReutersREUTERS/Mandel Ngan/Pool) Saudi Deputy Defense Minister Salman bin Sultan poses before a meeting with U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel (unseen) in a terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudia Arabia, May 13, 2014.

State employees of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia have King Abdullah's death to thank for because they will receive two months of salary as bonus. King Salman announced the bonus on state television on Thursday.

Retired government workers and students would also get two months pension and allowance.

Like Us on Facebook

Among the major changes that King Salman made is Turki bin Abdullah and Mishaal bin Abdullah, nephews of the king and sons of Abdullah, were removed as governor of Riyadh and Mecca provinces, respectively. He replaced them with Faisal bin Bandar and Khaled al-Faisal, who was the former governor and replaced by the king's son in 2013.

Reuters said the changes could herald social reforms under the new leadership as it deviates from the tradition of appointing governors of the two major Saudi provinces senior princes, which could lead to higher role in the Middle Eastern country's bureaucracy.

In another major revamp, King Salman also changed heads at the Justice Ministry and Religious Police by removing its former heads who are known as comparative liberals.

Lawyer Mohammed Jadaan was appointed head of the Capital Market Authority which regulates Saudi Arabia's bourses.

Ministers who retained their portfolio include Oil Minister Ali al-Naimi, Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal and Finance Minister Ibrahim Alassaf, plus the ministers of labor, commerce, transport and economy, and planning.

New heads were assigned to lead the ministries of agriculture, education and information. The education ministry now includes the higher education ministry. A new body will be set up to take over the functions of the Supreme Council for Petroleum and Mineral Affairs

He appointed General Khalid bin Ali bin Abdullah al-Humaidan as the new head of intelligence services after he relieved Prince Khalid bin Bandar Abdul Aziz al-Saud of his post.

The king, who issued 30 decrees that day, later tweeted, "Dear people: You deserve more and whatever I do will not be able to give what you deserve."

Lastly, he asked Saudi Arabians to pray for him.