A MOVE that could allow civil servants to obtain commercial registrations (CRs) and start their own businesses in the market and online has been approved unanimously by a committee of MPs.
The Cabinet had earlier called for a rethink after being forced to draft the legislation as part of the 2010 Civil Service Law following referral by Parliament.
It warned parliamentarians of a feared clash of interest and accountability related to dual legal obligations concerning government work and financial integrity.
An eight-member legislative and legal affairs committee, however, disregarded the rethink call suggesting the current law fudged the reality.
MP Jalal Kadhim claimed 70 per cent of civil servants already owned CRs under the names of family members.
“Civil servants already run, manage and operate businesses under the names of their wives, husbands, brothers, fathers, mothers or other family members,” he claimed. “It is time to take this matter out of the dark and into the light.
“There are MPs and ministers who are businessmen and their businesses are being taken care of by their families on an ‘official’ basis when, in reality, they are the true owners or directors.
“The Industry and Commerce Minister is a businessman himself and he was chosen for his post because of that experience, so where is there a clash of interest?”
He suggested that declarations of a conflict of interest could be a legal safety net.
Strategic Bloc president MP Ahmed Al Salloom, who is also a member of the Bahrain Chamber, said civil servants were allowed to own stocks and shares without being involved at company executive or board level.
“In my opinion, owning stock actually means that civil servants are businessmen,” he said. “Civil servants are allowed to work part-time in jobs that do not clash with their duties, so the same could be the case of CRs.
“We have genius civil servants who could be successful businessmen too if given the chance and, in return, contribute to the economy, as well as to the government administratively.”
Parliament second deputy speaker Ahmed Qarata claimed that many Bahrainis were being prosecuted for ‘commercial concealment’ while expats continue to own unlimited CRs.
“If CRs are given as candies to expats then Bahrainis should be the priority,” he said.
“Salaries are not enough as an income, it is clear, or else why would Bahrainis get CRs in the names of their family members, or work part-time?
“This move is merciful and will help many civil servants cope with financial pressures. Should there be any concerns relating to a possible clash of interest, or a misuse of power, executive bylaws could ensure any issues were promptly dealt with.”
The government fears the move would have negative repercussions on small and medium businesses and enterprises with civil servants, who already earn an income, competing unfairly with others who are purely dependent on profits generated from their shops and outlets.
“A civil servant will be thinking all the time about the progress and welfare of their business, which will affect productivity and given tasks,” it also warned. “The law already allows civil servants to work part-time in businesses but that’s after work hours with it clearly not coming within their normal day duties in the office.”
The matter now moves to the Shura Council for review.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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