PARLIAMENT session descended into chaos yesterday following a row over foreign trips by MPs.
It was started by Bahrainisation Committee chairman Ebrahim Al Nefaei who alleged that his colleagues, including Speaker Fouzia Zainal, were neglecting public issues and spending more time abroad.
The session was chaired by acting Speaker Ali Al Zayed as Ms Zainal and her first deputy Abdulnabi Salman are with a National Assembly delegation in Indonesia.
“We had submitted an official request 12 days ago to hold an open debate on directing excess oil revenues towards increasing pensions, but nothing has been scheduled yet,” said Mr Al Nefaei.
“Ms Zainal told us last week that the general-secretariat was holding more meetings than any other parliamentary term. We are in the 25th session of the legislative year and the general-secretariat only met 13 times!
“Last week, the session was suspended because only 14 out 40 MPs returned to their seats after the break. We were promised that action would be taken to stop such irresponsible acts, but nothing has happened.”
Mr Al Nefaei alleged that important topics were either being ignored or postponed as MPs were frequently flying abroad.
“Less than two months are left for the four-year term to end and Parliament doesn’t seem to know what to prioritise – weekly trips or public welfare,” he said.
Mr Al Zayed intervened and questioned the relevance of his comments while asking Mr Al Nefaei to focus on the topics scheduled for the day.
However, Mr Al Nefaei sought not to be interrupted, claiming that his concern was backed by all other MPs.
He was cut short by MP Ammar Qambar, who said the attack on Ms Zainal was uncalled for, especially as she was not here to comment on the accusations.
“I have been with delegations led by Ms Zainal abroad and I have seen her diplomatic achievements for the country,” Mr Qambar said.
“Ms Zainal is Bahrain’s representative and we shouldn’t be using offensive language against her.
“She is trying to get more countries to host their regional and international parliamentary conferences in Bahrain this year. Such events could lead to more agreements between Bahrain and other nations while also shining the spotlight on the kingdom,” he added.
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