I was very saddened by what transpired between Parliament Speaker Ahmed Al Musallam and MP Abdulla Al Romaihi during the National Assembly’s lower chamber’s weekly session on Tuesday.
I can hardly believe what has been happening in Parliament for the past two weeks but one thing I know is that Bahrain is the ultimate loser in this war of words.
Yes, we are insulting the kingdom rather than raising its position and rank! No ... and a thousand times no, we will not allow you to display this disgraceful behaviour which is absolutely unacceptable, unprecedented and not even permissible. You have given a very bad image of the civilisation and culture of our homeland and our dear people at the Gulf, Arab, regional and international levels.
I, like most people, was greatly disappointed by the grandstanding we witnessed which was completely unbecoming of this august institution.
Quite frankly, I sympathise with Mr Al Romaihi and the inappropriate treatment he was subjected to by the Speaker who, I thought, would be clever and wise in managing the chamber’s sessions.
Everyone I spoke to agreed that he did not fulfil his duties as the Speaker of Parliament.
The oral back and forth between the Speaker and the member of Parliament is perhaps the best comedy programme I have watched this Ramadan.
I remember that I wrote an article last year under the title ‘Humility is among the best morals’, and in it I mentioned the request of Shura Council Chairman to members not to address him as His Excellency but rather as Brother Speaker!
Despite his knowledge of the protocol followed in the upper chamber, he refused to do so because of his extreme humility and self-confidence. His request received the utmost respect, love and appreciation from everyone, not only among the members of the Shura Council, but also among all citizens and residents.
I hope with all my heart, through this platform, that rational people will intervene to save what can be saved for the reputation of our parliamentary experience that has continued for more than 20 years, the foundations of which were laid by His Majesty the King.
This elected council was the dream of all Bahraini citizens from all walks of life, and praise be to God, this dream has come true thanks to God Almighty and the wisdom of His Majesty the King.
Despite the limited achievements achieved by Parliament, it remains an important beacon that seeks to fulfil the desires and aspirations of citizens to the fullest extent of its constitutional capabilities, which are very limited!
Winston Churchill was right when he said, “If you want to know any people in the world, look at their Parliament and who represents them in it, and then you will know which people deserve to throw flowers at them or throw shoes at them.”
I repeat ... Bahrain does not deserve this.