A new fund to support pensioners could be set up in Bahrain as MPs unanimously approved a proposed legislation during their weekly session yesterday.
The legislation by Dr Ali Al Nuaimi seeks to establish the ‘Retiree Financial Support Account’ – a dedicated facility funded by a levy of $1 per barrel of crude oil exported from Bahrain when its price exceeds $40.
The collected amount would be used to provide financial support to retirees on an annual basis, based on their income levels.
The MP believes his initiative would address the growing financial challenges faced by pensioners and provide a means of easing their cost of living, particularly in light of rising costs related to housing, food and other basic essentials.
Finance and National Economy Minister Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, however, called for a rethink. He expressed concerns that establishing dedicated funds for specific purposes could disrupt the principle of budgetary unity.
The minister also pointed out that the government has been actively exploring options to restructure existing financial support programmes for low-income groups, which may address the same goals as the proposed law.
The legislation has been referred to the government to draft as proper law and refer back to the National Assembly within six months.
Meanwhile, MPs unanimously voted in favour of two government-drafted legislations – a mutual maritime agreement with Kuwait, and amendments to the 2002 Fishing Organisation, Catching and Protection Law that would allow boat captains to take relatives up to the third degree on board without them being considered as crew.
The Cabinet and Oil and Environment Ministry have backed the move in concept. The Supreme Council for the Environment said new organisational methods were being formulated to address the issue.
Present during debate yesterday was Oil and Environment Minister Dr Mohammed Bin Daina.
Dr Bin Daina
Meanwhile, MPs approved a proposal to take proactive measures to preserve, protect and develop the kingdom’s shores and ensure their accessibility to members of the public.
The proposal by Muneer Suroor emphasises that these lands should remain under state control, with plans for sustainable development and investment to improve their aesthetic and functional appeal.
A proposal that calls for providing sign language interpreters in schools and universities, without requiring them to hold a bachelor’s degree as long as they complete necessary training and certification programmes has been unanimously approved by MPs yesterday.
The initiative, by Parliament’s financial and economic affairs committee chairman and Strategic Thinking Bloc president Ahmed Al Salloom, seeks to enhance the rights of individuals with hearing disabilities and ensure their participation in academic environments.
It also seeks to address an alleged long-standing shortage of qualified sign language interpreters.
Also unanimously approved by MPs during the session was a proposal seeking full-time employment for Bahrainis on temporary contracts in the two endowments’ directorates, and the Information Affairs and Health Ministries. It has been presented by MP Zainab Abdulamir.
A proposal obliging easier bank facilities for Bahrainis in the private sector, presented by five MPs led by services committee chairwoman Jalila Al Sayed, was also unanimously approved by MPs.
Legislators also unanimously approved a proposal by services committee vice-chairman Mohammed Al Olaiwi to build a multi-purpose hall in Muharraq Al Kubra (Grand) Garden.
All five proposals have been referred to the Cabinet for review.
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