MPs have expressed anger after being told they will have to pay for their own newspaper subscriptions.
The decision was taken by parliament chairman Ahmed Al Mulla, who said it would save parliament around BD15,000 a year.
That’s how much it costs to provide daily subscriptions for all Bahraini newspapers for 40 MPs.
Eleven MPs are challenging the decision including Abdulhaleem Murad, who argued it was just a fraction of what parliament allocates for MPs’ visits outside Bahrain.
He complained a recent visit to Morocco cost parliament more than BD35,000, while approximately BD25,000 had been allocated for an ongoing trip to Jakarta.
“It is not a matter of money,” he told the GDN.
“I believe it insults journalism in Bahrain.
“Cost-cutting measures must not include newspapers or anything related to journalism because we simply cannot work without those dailies.
“Also, the amount of money is nothing compared to what parliament allocated for visits outside Bahrain.”
Mr Murad said he expected the new rule to be overturned based on pressure from MPs.
“I am strongly against this decision and I am sure that Mr Al Mulla will withdraw it because he will face huge pressure from MPs,” he said.
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