THE Shura Council yesterday dedicated its entire session to pay homage to His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa.
A minute’s silence was held in the upper chamber of Bahrain’s National Assembly before an emotional chairman Ali Saleh Al Saleh decided to ignore the planned schedule and give members a chance to express their sorrow at the death of the late Prime Minister.
For the first time since the outbreak of the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic in April, 39 of the 40 members were present in the chamber.
Abdulwahab Al Mansoor was reportedly too ill to attend, even online.
“All of us here stand with pride because of the successful strides led by Prince Khalifa and the committed work and dedication throughout his life that has seen Bahrain become a lighthouse and model in numerous fields,” said Mr Al Saleh.
“Prince Khalifa was an inspirational, giving and wise leader who served Bahrain, the Arab and Islamic nations – and humanity.
“He was a national icon who led government work with the nation and its people as top of his priorities during his 50 years of continuous contribution.
“HRH was never tired or bored of listening to people and fulfilling their requests and providing them with a decent life.”
Mr Al Saleh said the widespread outpouring of grief showed that Prince Khalifa had made a place in everyone’s heart.
“The Prince gathered people from across the country and was keen to meet them in his weekly majlis. He joined everyone in their occasions, and visited all areas as he was personally concerned about people’s welfare.”
He also pointed out that the late Prince was always at the forefront of efforts to strengthen the relationship between the legislative and executive arms of the state.
In his closing remarks, he said words couldn’t do justice to the huge loss everyone’s suffered.
A tearful Shura Council first vice-chairman Jamal Fakhro said Prince Khalifa was close to everyone through his open heart, and door.
“He didn’t turn anyone away asking for help or opinion,” he said.
“He always asked for feedback despite being more knowledgeable than us as he always wanted us to feel important.
“His charismatic and appealing personality showed us the school that we learnt from how to think for the best interests of the people.”
Second vice-chairwoman Jameela Nusaif said it was difficult to speak about the loss of “a father”.
“We are here because we learnt from Prince Khalifa how to serve the people regardless of who they are as we work for their interests,” she said.
“It’s sad to speak on the loss of a father by his daughter and that’s what he was to everyone in this country – a father.”
Financial and economic affairs committee chairman Khalid Al Maskati said Prince Khalifa encouraged him personally throughout his career to take part and serve the people in whatever capacity.
“The late Prince was willing to listen and he personally guided me through my career to participate and serve the people,” he said.
Crosshead: Poems
“Public interest to Prince Khalifa was his personal interest and always wanted things to be done in the best way possible and that’s something I have always taken highly and is inspirational to work.”
Other members also hailed the late Prince with some even reciting poems expressing their sorrow.
Shura legal commission head Dr Nawfal Al Gharbal, a Tunisian, also expressed his sadness, saying that expats who have lived here for years recognise and appreciate all what Prince Khalifa has done for them to live in a friendly and loving atmosphere.
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
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