DHAKA: Saudi King Abdullah on Sunday appointed his son Prince Mishaal as governor of Mecca Province, one of the most prominent jobs in the country, the latest move in a rolling reshuffle of senior ruling family members over the past two years.

He replaces Prince Khaled al-Faisal, who has been made education minister, a move that may revive stalled educational reforms aimed at reducing the influence of religious conservatives, Saudi analysts said, reports The Straits Times.

The appointments were announced in a royal decree carried by state media in the world’s top oil exporter, where moves among senior princes are closely watched for their impact on the country`s opaque succession process.

Since 2011, a series of deaths, retirements and promotions mean most top government positions held by princes, plus the three top provincial governor jobs, have switched hands after decades with little change.

BDST: 2041 HRS, DEC 22, 2013
Edited by Robab Rosan, Current Affairs Editor