Oman Sultan Qabus Disapproves of Term 'Unemployment,' Listens to Citizens’ Requests

The following are excerpts from a speech by the Sultan of Oman, Qabus bin Said. Oman TV aired this speech on February 8, 2005:

Sultan Qabus: I'd like to mention one more thing: I don't like the word "unemployment." This is a strange word and peculiar word. "Jobless"… "unemployment"… These are strange words. You should say "job seekers" or "those who seek jobs." "Jobless"… "unemployment"… these words are a little… There should be awareness and education on this point. Is seeking work a bad thing? The word "unemployment"… I really disapprove of these words. Therefore, I believe that it is important to use words that are faithful to their meaning. One should use "job seeker." "Why say "jobless"?! In what way is he "less"? These are words that have become common and people use them without knowing their underlying meaning. These are bad words. I emphasize these things, and I hope that what I have said today will reach many people in this country, through you and the media. Welcome, and thank you. Afterwards, His Majesty, may God protect him, listened to the citizens' requests and suggestions on various issues of concern to them.