Last week, a statement, attributed to a group calling itself the ‘Honourable Merchants of Bahrain’, was circulating on social media. It contained very serious allegations against Bahrain Chamber officials and members, ranging from corruption to mismanagement to offensive insinuations that are below the standards of national discourse.
One wonders why these so-called ‘honourable merchants’ don’t have the courage to reveal their identities to the public. True honour is not gained by working from behind a curtain or through anonymous statements; it is gained by being open, clear and courageous.
No one denies that the commercial sector is facing real challenges. There may very well be grave mistakes and violations that warrant accountability and reform. But does correcting the course come through anger, defamation and vulgarity? Or through wisdom and facts? Can lost trust be regained through spreading scandals and promoting accusations without legal evidence?
The danger of such a statement lies in shifting the discussion from a matter of reforming economic institutions to a battleground for personal vendettas and conflicting interests, in a manner that does not befit the stature of the Bahraini merchant, who has always been known for wisdom and composure. Yes, we need genuine reform, but we first need responsible discourse.
When the government takes action to change leadership positions in its companies, it is a sign of the state’s keenness to oversee institutions and hold their leadership accountable. However, these decisions can’t be material for vindictiveness or exaggeration.
There is no doubt that everyone aspires to a more effective trade body that reflects the ambitions of merchants and includes competent individuals. One hopes that the upcoming elections will serve as an opportunity to inject new blood into the chamber, guided by a spirit of responsibility, not defamation.
Institutions are built through participation, oversight and objective criticism – not through scandals and shouting. The upcoming general assembly meeting will be a true test for discussing these matters and holding the chamber’s board accountable according to regulations and bylaws.
Anyone who truly seeks reform should start with themselves, and raise their voice – not against others, but in front of them. Hiding behind vague labels and anonymous statements only serves to deepen division and mistrust. Bahrain deserves cleaner rhetoric, deeper reform and honour proven through actions, not slogans.
I am not a businessman, and my interest in this is only with the principle and method of raising issues pertinent to the growth of the nation’s economy.
I sincerely hope that wise voices will step in to heal the rift and salvage what can be saved – for the ultimate goal that matters most: the interest of the nation and its people.
ztawfeeqi@gmail.com
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