PARLIAMENT Speaker Fouzia Zainal has defended a decision to appoint an Arab legal adviser on a two-year renewable contract.
This came as Ebrahim Al Nefaei demanded that the issue be listed for debate following a request by seven MPs who said it was wrong to employ a non-Bahraini when the government was pushing for Bahrainisation.
Ms Zainal said during Parliament’s weekly session yesterday that there was no specific request to include the issue for debate during yesterday’s session, only a formal letter by the seven MPs.
She added that she would reply to them by mail as well, stressing that legal procedures were followed while employing the adviser.
The seven MPs claimed that the expatriate (an Egyptian) was employed despite a Bahraini reportedly performing better during the selection process.
“I assure everyone that the information about the issue is not correct and I will explain everything in writing,” said Ms Zainal.
Mr Al Nefaei told the GDN that raising the issue was not aimed at forcing Parliament to break the two-year contract, but to ensure that such practice is not repeated in the future.
Khalid Bu Onk echoed similar sentiments.
“When we (MPs) probe Bahrainisation in the private and government sectors and seek tough action, our own establishment is employing a non-Bahraini as legal adviser, when he didn’t even top the list of candidates,” he said.
“A Bahraini of Iraqi origin came first and the Egyptian came second and reasons behind the selection are unknown.
“We are speaking about a job that pays more than BD3,000 a month. It could have been offered to a Bahraini, who is a lawyer and previously worked for the Shura Council, which makes him experienced in local law.”
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