All seven members of parliament's services committee today rejected proposed changes to Bahrain’s pension rules branded "unconstitutional" by another parliamentary committee.
On Sunday, parliament's legislative and legal affairs committee said the Constitution protected people's rights to a decent living and lowering benefits was "unconstitutional" as it would mean people would be harmed.
There have been concerns that the proposed amendments would give the government full authority to change people’s pensions without any input from parliament or the Shura Council.
Those opposed to the move fear it could result in a lack of accountability and decisions that would negatively impact people’s pensions.
The government-drafted amendments would give the chairman of the Pension Fund Authority (PFA), the Finance Minister, power to authorise changes to the system without legislative approval.
It would see the PFA board propose the level of contributions, the period they should cover and whether pensions should rise, as well as set the age of retirement and determine voluntary contributions for periods when no payments have been made.
The power to amend military and security pension rules will be determined by the Supreme Defence Council under another bill.
The proposed amendments affect the 2008 Pension Fund Authority Law and the 2010 BDF and Public Security Pension Fund Law.
MPs, Shura Council members and municipal councillors are among those who stand to lose the most, since they would scrap dual pensions currently paid out for their public service work and personal careers.
MPs are set to vote on the amendments during Tuesday's weekly session.
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