A MINISTER has called for an end to a tug-of-war between Parliament and Shura Council, urging a focus on legislation instead.
This came as Shura Council legislative and legal affairs committee chairwoman Dalal Al Zayed submitted an urgent request to speak on the issue of MPs describing Shura as “a graveyard of legislations” during their weekly session last Tuesday.
The Shura Council during its weekly session on November 7 rejected a legislation – approved by MPs – aimed at prioritising the employment of Bahrainis in the private sector.
“Legislators shouldn’t start a tug-of-war that drags on and deviates from the main focus,” said Parliament and Shura Council Affairs Minister Ghanim Al Buainain.
“Opening a debate on the matter would mean valuable time that could benefit the public would be wasted.
“Each chamber has to respect the other and together work along with us (the government) towards achieving the desired goals.”
Shura Chairman Ali Al Saleh said Ms Al Zayed’s proposal wouldn’t be put on the table since it was not submitted by three members, which then saw Ms Al Zayed getting signatures from two other members.
“We respect Parliament in all what it debates and I refuse to direct any blame towards anyone saying whatever they feel,” said Mr Al Saleh.
“Every opinion is respected and it was more of a friendly reproach by them rather than reprove.”
Ms Al Zayed then stood up saying that she wished to withdraw her official request.
“We respect them and they respect us and it is a democratic practice,” she said.
“They vote on what they believe is right and we vote on what we believe is right.
“Difference of opinion is there, even within the same chamber. Together we work for the people as legislators in a constructive manner.”
A proposed amendment to the 2006 Insurance Against Unemployment Law has been presented by five Shura Council members – led by human rights committee vice-chairman Darwish Al Mannai.
It would see the Unemployment Fund scrutinised by Parliament and the Shura Council under new proposed financial governance measures.
Under the proposal, the annual closing financial statements would be considered valid only if it is voted on and approved by both National Assembly chambers.
Rejection by both chambers would mean an automatic vote of no-confidence against responsible officials.
Meanwhile, Shura also postponed amendments to a law that would see citizens being exempted from paying a one-time registration fee on their property.
Amendments to the 2013 Real Estate Registration Law have been approved twice by Parliament and rejected once by the Shura Council in 2019.
Under the amendments, citizens registering their property for the first time at the Survey and Land Registration Bureau would be exempted from paying two per cent of the property’s worth as registration fee.
The public utilities and environment affairs committee has rejected it, but would now reconsider following feedback from legislators that would have minimal effects on state coffers.
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
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