An outspoken MP yesterday criticised the allegedly ‘inactive role’ of Parliament’s Palestinian Support Committee amid the on-going Gaza crisis.
MP Hamad Al Doy expressed deep concern over the lack of visible action by the committee especially in light of the humanitarian crisis and escalating violence in the Gaza Strip.
He questioned the current role and effectiveness of the committee.
“The committee exists on paper, but we have neither seen nor heard any report or statement from it – particularly during this critical period that demands clear and supportive positions from all institutions, especially the legislative authority,” he claimed.
The legislator’s comments come amid heightened Israeli military operations in Gaza, which have led to a worsening humanitarian situation and mounting civilian casualties.
Mr Al Doy stressed that this situation should compel Bahrain’s Parliament, through its dedicated committee, to play a more proactive and visible role.
“The Palestinian issue holds a special place in the hearts of Bahrainis,” Mr Al Doy said. “It deserves attention and solidarity, and the Parliament must reflect the position of the people by taking a firm and honourable stance. We must not remain silent while the Palestinian people endure immense pain and suffering.”
Mr Al Doy urged his colleagues and the parliamentary leadership to activate the committee in a ‘more meaningful way’.
“We hope the committee will be given the space and responsibility to act in a manner that reflects the significance of the Palestinian cause,” he added.
Meanwhile, MPs unanimously approved three proposed legislations and referred them to the government to draft as proper law within six months.
n Amending the 2005 Education Law, presented by MP Dr Ali Al Nuaimi, to oblige all ministries, government bodies and 50 per cent-share state companies to take permission from the Education Ministry before allocating or sending students on scholarships or fellowships.
n Amending the 1976 Social Insurance Law, presented by the Strategic Thinking Bloc led by MP Bassema Mubarak, to allow private sector employees to borrow from future pensions under similar terms as government employees.
n Amending the 2006 Labour Market Regulatory Law, presented by MP Mariam Al Sayegh, to prohibit domestic workers, mainly housemaids, from changing work permits to other jobs.
n Domestic workers are only allowed to change homes if they continue in the same work. If they are unhappy with their career choice they can leave the country.
MPs also unanimously approved the following proposals and referred them to the Cabinet for review:
1. Constructing a multi-purpose community hall for Capital Governorate residents, presented by five MPs, led by Mohammed Janahi.
2. Constructing a youth centre for the Muharraq Governorate in the plot between the Abu Maher Health Centre and Abu Maher Community Hall, presented by services committee vice-chairman MP Mohammed Al Olaiwi and MP Hisham Al Awadhi.
3. Constructing a women-only multi-purpose community hall in Nabih Saleh, presented by five MPs, led by services committee chairwoman MP Jalila Al Sayed.
4. Improving infrastructure facilities and services in the Southern Governorate constituency seven, presented by area MP Dr Ali Al Nuaimi.
5. Speeding up planning and re-planning procedures for non-urbanised areas with the plots’ freeze not exceeding a year, presented by foreign affairs, defence and national security committee vice-chairman MP Hassan Ibrahim.
Housing and Urban Planning Minister Amna Al Romaihi said 96 areas have been classified last year with more expected this year following surveying.
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