Statements of the Supreme Leader in Meeting with the President and Cabinet on the Occasion of Government Week

In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

First, I extend my congratulations on Government Week, which is a valuable opportunity both to appreciate the efforts of the country's executives and officials and to deliver good and sweet tidings to the people, making them happy and informing them of what has been achieved. I congratulate the esteemed members of the government, the honorable President, the ministers, other state officials, and all our dear people.

Fortunately, this year, one of our wishes and aspirations has been realized, which is to communicate with the people and explain what the revolution has been able to provide for this country and this nation, both for the people of the country and, subsequently, for the eager and interested people of the world. Among the good works that have been accomplished is the exhibition of the government's achievements. I wish such an exhibition would not be limited to this week, so that people could see firsthand what the serving government and officials who claim to support and serve the people have done in practice. They should understand that what is said is not merely talk, claims, and promises, as we were accustomed to hearing from the top officials of the country before the revolution. They should see that the revolution truly works for the people and strives for the country.

In my opinion, the most fundamental point that should be mentioned in this week and in this session, which fortunately the President has already addressed to some extent and will reach the ears of the people, is the great art that the Islamic Republic government and the country's officials have demonstrated in overcoming the challenges and difficulties of the post-war period. A very significant work has been done in this regard and is ongoing. God willing, you officials and those in charge will continue the work. The war brought many spiritual achievements to this country, which will nourish spirituality, thought, culture, faith, and divine experience for generations; however, in terms of material aspects, the enemy inflicted great damages on the country. One of these damages was that the best of our youth and dear ones were taken from the nation in this war; however, the damage of destroying the country, eliminating resources, and above all, the opportunities that existed in this country for reconstruction after the revolution, are noteworthy.

Truly, during the war, the great art of the revolution was to keep the country moving and progressing. During the war, no significant opportunity arose, in terms of the expectations and needs of this country, for building infrastructures and providing the foundations for true development and real economic and material growth. During these few years after the war, fortunately, the government has succeeded in doing great works in this area, and it can truly be said today that a solid economic infrastructure has been established in the country.

I remember that in the early post-war period, when we sat in reconstruction sessions with the country's officials—at that time, the honorable President was the Speaker of the Parliament, and some other officials were present—one of our wishes was to build several dams, construct some roads, and establish essential factories in the fields of petrochemicals, steel, etc. These were truly among the wishes that we put on paper and worked for. Today, thanks be to God, those wishes have been realized, and these works have been accomplished. These achievements did not come easily and were truly obtained only through tireless and relentless work, strong and dedicated management, and especially through the management of Mr. Hashemi, who truly performed well in this area and applied good management to the government.

I must say, God knows, and fortunately, our people know, but I also want to say and establish that in this honor, the honorable President, each of you esteemed ministers, and officials of various sectors are partners and share in this honor, and its reward, God willing, belongs to you before God Almighty. Also, all those who have cooperated with you during these years after the war until today, the various administrative sectors and the staff that existed, from specialists and experts to the people, God willing, you all share in this honor.

When in a country, the development of construction and economic infrastructures is built correctly and firmly, and when the movement of construction in the country—in the true sense of the word—comes into existence, the country also enjoys political elevation both internally and externally. That is, if you see today that, thanks be to God, the Islamic Republic government and the Iranian nation and our country enjoy political prestige on the global stage and internally, the tongues of ill-wishers and detractors and those who magnify small faults and overlook great merits are largely silenced—although the tongues of detractors will never be completely silenced, because the motives of ill-will never completely disappear, but to a large extent, this is the case—because they have nothing to say, and many of the things they could have said and could have used as excuses, they no longer have. That is, political stability is largely due to the stability of construction activities in the country, which fortunately has been accomplished. Cultural work has also been done. Although not to the extent of economic infrastructure work and what relates to economic development, nonetheless, valuable work has been done in that area as well.

What I want to emphasize as the first recommendation is that you should not let this movement of effort and construction work and foundational work become unstable during this transitional period that we have ahead. That is, according to the norm, this government is in its last year of effort. The responsible gentlemen should not think that we have only a few months left to work; no. You may want to continue these works for many years, and it is generally the case that good managers carry out the work continuously. Even if they are not at the head of responsibility, their presence and existence in the work will always be felt. Do not let this year's work become somewhat unstable; that is, say that now we have reached Government Week and have done the necessary publicity to some extent, and then gradually think about wrapping up! No. Until the last hour and moment that you can legally strive, you should keep in mind this noble hadith: 'Work for your worldly life as if you will live forever,' meaning you should assume that you have ten or fifteen more years of these works ahead of you and are responsible for them. Work with this perspective and intention.

I am truly afraid that in this last year, some of the diligent movements that have existed will weaken and become unstable. Fortunately, the country has a continuous course. The policies are unified, and the nature of our system and the situation of our constitution is not like some countries where when a government's term ends, everything changes, and even the policies are subject to change and transformation. We have stable and continuous policies; based on these policies, planning has been done, and based on this planning, officials have done good work. These policies must continue, and these works will continue. Therefore, my first recommendation is that you should not let this constructive movement become even slightly weakened. It must continue with strength and power.

I have always mentioned a point to the gentlemen; I find it necessary to repeat it. Of course, you are good officials. The officials of various sectors, thanks be to God, have benefited greatly from the spiritual sources of the revolution and have used them; however, I must say this point so that these remain as unforgettable chapters in minds. In all the great work we have undertaken—in its various stages—we must not neglect the lofty goals and values of the Islamic system for a moment. If our constructive work is done with neglect of those goals, there is a fear of deviation from those goals. Because we are human and mortal; if we neglect even slightly, we may deviate from the 'straight path' to the left or right.

Suppose a talented teenager is entrusted to a wise, prudent, and caring group to be nurtured and advanced to become an outstanding and distinguished person. There is no doubt that providing food for him is necessary; because if he does not have food, he will not survive to become distinguished. There is no doubt that exercise is necessary for him; because if he does not exercise, he will not have the ability to continue the work. There is no doubt that education and training are necessary for him, and he must study; because if he does not study and does not become knowledgeable, the possibility of great works for him will not exist. There is no doubt that sightseeing and recreation and presence in recreational centers are necessary for him. That is, if we want to do proper training, it is impossible to neglect worldly aspects. How can the Islamic system be elevated in the world while we do not have agriculture, heavy industries, mines, and metals, etc.?

It is obvious that the construction of the country is a necessary and essential matter; but in all the works that you have thought for this ready and talented teenager to become a distinguished spiritual, material, scientific, and religious person in the future, you must not forget that goal. That is, if in his exercise, for example, you take him to a field where he becomes morally degraded, he will no longer be what you want. If the food you give him is food that, for example, hardens the heart or dulls the mind, you have fed him, but you have not given him what is necessary. If the science you want to give him is science that has no effect on his future and does not give him the possibility to appear as a great and distinguished person, this work has not been done.

In my opinion, today in the country, there are two statements that are sometimes made. Both statements are correct; although apparently, these two statements are against each other and are sometimes expressed in opposition to each other. Some, when talking about development and construction, say: go towards values. As if the issue of material and economic development of the country is of little importance. Values are mentioned in such a way that it seems the issue of building the country is of secondary importance and does not matter. On the other hand, when talking about values, some say: we must build the country. If the country is not built, we cannot introduce values to the world. Both statements are correct; that is, neither of these two statements actually rejects the other. The country must be built from all different dimensions. That is, each of you is responsible for a part of the country's sectors, you make a lot of effort, and these efforts must be even doubled, and God willing, with strength and power, these movements that you have started and have reached some good results, will reach final results; but in all these stages, those spiritual values, those things that I will mention two or three of them later, must be considered; if not, then this construction will not reach the purpose you have for it and will not be able to introduce and demonstrate the divine system and the constructive power of Islam and religion and the power to govern a nation and a country through divine laws.

What is good to mention in the field of these value issues and should be considered in all sectors—although these are things that may not encompass all that needs to be considered, but undoubtedly are among the most important—is the issue of self-confidence of the country's managers and officials. This is a fundamental value of our revolution; if this is not present, in my opinion, the foundations of the country's construction will be shaky. In all the officials who are working in various sectors of the country, this spirit of self-confidence and the idea that the Islamic Republic and the Iranian nation and the indigenous elements of this country are capable of bringing the country to the highest level of elevation needed and desired must be strengthened. Sometimes, some officials and some people who are working in various sectors—whether in economic fields, cultural fields, etc.—may be attached to analyses that others—even, for example, a scholar or a writer—have published in a scientific journal. This analysis attracts attention to such an extent that it removes self-confidence and distracts the mind from the program that arises from seeing the realities in the country—because every country has its own requirements and realities.

We must try to ensure that our students from school days and our students and those who have just entered the workforce preserve and strengthen the spirit of self-confidence and the ability to solve the country's issues with indigenous analysis, motivation, and understanding. We should not pay attention to what a certain journalist has written or what a foreign analyst says that Iran must follow this path to achieve construction and solve economic problems. Of course, scientific issues anywhere in the world, from any language they are issued, are worthy of attention; but not in the form of unconditional acceptance, but in the form of accepting an analysis that one takes, examines it with the various conditions of the country, and implements it.

In any case, the lack of attachment to foreign analyses and opinions is the most important thing that needs to exist in the entire organization in terms of value issues. Do not pay much attention to what others say about us. Perhaps what they say about us is different from what they say about themselves. Even what they say about themselves is not necessarily true about our living conditions. It is not necessarily applicable to our situation. We have a religiously devout people who live with religious faith, revolutionary movement, and attention to spiritual values, and they give importance and care to these values. These should be considered. Do not look at what others say about you and the country and the country's officials and programs. Look at what is needed and what should be done.

Another issue that is necessary in all areas of construction is that we have emphasized people's participation as a principle from the early days of the revolution. Imam Khomeini (may his soul be sanctified) repeatedly recommended and spoke about involving people. At that time, there was a mindset that almost kept people away from various fields. Later, thanks be to God, everyone realized that no; people must participate and be involved in various issues of the country, whether economic issues or other areas—in political issues, which fortunately they are involved now. Today, it is also like this; it must be so.

This is also a principle that people must be partners, collaborators, and direct participants in government work; but the essential point here is that the type of people's involvement should not lead to some segments of the people or some clever individuals among the people gaining large and windfall profits, while others remain in the basics of life. That is, the fundamental issue of social justice and attention to all segments in various sectors must be considered. Now, in various sectors of the country, the government in various ministries, either according to the law or according to policies that exist in this specific ministry—which is good and has no objection—each coordinates and balances their issues with the people in some way; but you must definitely pay attention that from the government's resources and assets—which belong to all the people—this should not happen that windfall wealth is created, and as a result, as is the nature of windfall wealth in the country, some remain deprived.

As long as there are people in the country who can gain unaccounted and large profits and benefits from the country's resources, and it appears that, for example, in legal forms, they engage in transactions, leasing, contracting, and brokerage—meaning apparently it has a legal form; although it may also be illegal in essence—without a doubt, poverty will not be eradicated in the country. Such a thing is not possible. That is, the existence of excessive resources in the hands of a limited group will not allow the country's productions and resources to be accessible to the rest of the people. This inflation that you always complain about and everyone complains about, and it is right; it will continue to the end. There must be precise attention in various government departments to prevent illogical and incorrect uses that lead to large wealth. If there is a law that has been passed out of negligence, or regulations have been established somewhere that produce this result, because it has this harm and defect, even that law must be remedied, and the Islamic Consultative Assembly and the Cabinet and other various sectors must pay attention to remedy it and not let it provide that ground.

The enjoyment of various segments of the people from the country's resources must be balanced. It should not be such that the gaps increase day by day and some live that way. Of course, a major part of this work can also be provided by the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the tax-related sector: collecting appropriate and justified taxes from those who gain profits and benefits. This is another meaning.

In this regard, I have another recommendation for dear brothers that you must include in the program; because during the construction period, some economic defects naturally exist. It has been the same everywhere. Inflation increases, and the purchasing power of many people decreases. God willing, efforts must be made in the government to solve these specific economic problems in the country. The issue of inflation must be resolved in some way. The power of the national currency must be secured with the utmost diligence, with more pursuit and effort. Of course, we hope that, God willing, when the results of your work become more apparent and these foundational works reach results, it will be so, in the long term, it will be so; but we cannot wait and should not neglect the remedies that can be pursued in the short and medium term. This value of the national currency is the key to solving many of the country's problems, and this weakness of purchasing power in the lower classes of people and their inability to meet their living needs is due to this issue, which, God willing, must be made more effort for these.

In this regard, we have always had a recommendation that we again present to you dear brothers and remind you, and that is to pay attention to the self-sacrificers in various works and sectors and entrust various responsibilities of the country to them. Truly, the security that the country has today and the various sectors can use this security to work, plan, and innovate, build the country, and create honors for the country and themselves, is due to the efforts of the self-sacrificers and these young people who went to the battlefields with the enemy. Some were martyred, and their families are present. Some were injured and form the disabled veterans. Some, thanks be to God, are healthy, and they are our self-sacrificers. These faithful young members of the armed forces truly worked hard and made efforts—whether the military force or in its own section, the law enforcement force in confronting those who disturbed the country's security—and as Imam Khomeini (may his soul be sanctified) once said: if these young people were not there and this revolution did not succeed, now we would not have this opportunity and honor to be the country's officials and create rewards for ourselves before God Almighty and create honors for ourselves before the people and in history. You provide these services to these people.

In truth, you, the country's officials, and all of us owe the people and especially the self-sacrificers among the people who, with their lives, abilities, and efforts, provided this opportunity for us. If these self-sacrifices were not there, it is not clear whether the country would have territorial integrity or not. Whether it would have security or not. Whether the enemy would be inside our country or not. And whether such an opportunity would exist for someone to be able to work and strive for the country and create construction. This dictates to us and makes it obligatory that at all stages, we be careful and vigilant and not let, God forbid, the rights of the self-sacrificing classes of the country—such as the families of martyrs, disabled veterans, warriors, and those who truly fought and made efforts in the way of God—be wasted by some remarks and complaints that are sometimes made here and there; that too from those who had no sympathy during the war and made no effort for this revolution and for the war and in the fields of danger.

Sometimes they complain, for example, why in the university, why in the ministries, why in such and such place, are privileges given to the families of martyrs or to the self-sacrificers or to the Basijis? Do not pay attention to these. What is given as a privilege—which, thanks be to God, is also legal today—is not more than what they deserve; rather, in comparison to what is the result of their efforts, it is truly much less.

We request from you dear brothers to consider God present and watching in all circumstances. You must take the divine account in the afterlife seriously. The divine reckoning is true. The smallest of our actions, God forbid, a moment of negligence, a moment of laziness, all are recorded and preserved in our record and book of deeds. We will be held accountable for each of these; just as every moment of difficulty you endure in the path of responsibility is recorded and preserved in your book of deeds. The concern you have for work, the effort you make, the pressure you put on your nerves and body and on your family to do something for God and in His way, this is also preserved before God Almighty. If, God forbid, there is negligence, laziness, carelessness in any of the works, failure to observe the high interests of the people and the system due to some personal and group considerations, all these are preserved before God Almighty, and God Almighty will ask us about these.

The divine reckoning is a strict and very serious reckoning. May God grant that we always have this vigilance for ourselves so that we can carry out our work with more precision. I myself am more in need of this than you and perhaps more obligated than you to have this vigilance in my smallest actions. Of course, I have a duty to tell you this meaning that an hour more that you engage in work and the more attention you pay, of course, it has a reward before God Almighty. If a moment is neglected in any corner of the work, if a consideration causes a person not to do what should be done, that too has a reckoning and accountability before God Almighty that must be considered.

In my opinion, if the ministers and senior officials of the country, in particular, want to free themselves from these various concerns and register this great, sincere, and good service they provide without any concern and problem in their book of deeds and, God willing, sustain it for this country, the way is not to engage in personal and group economic activities at all. You who, thanks be to God, have been content with little. Once, Mr. Hashemi invited someone for a ministry to come and take responsibility for a section. He came to him and said that if I become a minister, my life will be disrupted; but now my life is going on! I do not remember now whether he accepted and, for example, said we will give something extra, or he did not accept. Generally, it is the case that if people with good expertise go to work in other sectors of the country, of course, their lives may be better. They will have more comfortable lives and more income. Naturally, the ministry is not like that. According to the rule, it will reduce the level of enjoyment and luxury compared to other sectors. Be content with this. Endure and be content. Do not think about securing your own life. Of course, I know, thanks be to God, you are not thinking about it; but now what we say to you is actually obligatory for all managers and officials of various sectors at different levels and must be observed. The country's managers should not think about securing their future. Everything is in God's hands. The management of life and its continuation is also in God's hands. The more you keep yourself away from economic activities and avoid them, the more it will benefit you and your work and the country; rather, in my opinion, avoid any work other than your special work so that you can do your work.

In any case, my dear ones! Good work also has its pitfalls. No good work is without pitfalls. A well-trained person of a high level who is considered among the sincere according to our spiritual classifications in our narrations and religious texts, 'is in great danger.' A sincere person, meaning someone whose every action is for God, a word, a movement, even eating and drinking and resting, is not without the intention of nearness to God, it is narrated that even this person 'is in great danger.' Now see how our situation is when we are far from that level of sincerity. We must avoid pitfalls a lot. The pitfalls of work and the pitfalls of life are many. One must always be vigilant.

Of course, I am not saying this so that you lose the courage to work; no. One of the pitfalls of work is that a person loses the courage to work. Be careful to do the work courageously and strongly and with power and reliance on God. In whatever level you are, move forward. One of the pitfalls is that a person does not have courage. There are other pitfalls as well, be careful that these pitfalls, God willing, do not catch you.

We hope that from you dear brothers who are engaged in these good and great works, as Mr. Hashemi, thanks be to God, expresses satisfaction, God Almighty is also pleased, and you leave a good name and work for yourself and continue these services for many years, God willing, and be a source of effects for this country, and from your works, God willing, the people will benefit greatly.

Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings