Key draft laws and proposals aimed at empowering young citizens and modernising public services were discussed as the Bahraini Youth Parliament convened yesterday.
Thirty-three enterprising Bahrainis aged between 18 and 30, including university students, participated in the session, chaired by Parliament Speaker Ahmed Al Musallam at the National Assembly Complex in Gudaibiya. The gathering mirrored an actual Parliamentary session, with five youngsters elected from among the participants to chair Parliamentary committees. Ministers and senior government officials were also in attendance.
Parliament and Shura Council Affairs Minister Ghanim Al Buainain emphasised the seriousness of the proceedings and said the youth Parliament’s decisions would be formally presented.
The session opened with a debate on a draft law amending the 2010 Civil Service Law, submitted by five members led by youth Parliament legislative and legal affairs committee chairwoman Dhubiya Asheer.
The amendment focuses on reinstating allowances for civil servants who obtain higher academic degrees while in service.
Mr Al Buainain noted that the proposal carried financial implications.
Young MPs, however, argued that it would incentivise professional development within the government, and the draft law was approved. It will now be formally referred to the Cabinet for review.
A proposal granting public and private sector employees time off to participate in cultural activities sparked a strong reaction from Education Minister Dr Mohammed Mubarak Juma.
While recognising the vital role of cultural engagement – especially for athletes, artists, directors and performers – Dr Juma firmly asserted that professional responsibilities must take precedence and workflow cannot be compromised.
He cited an incident involving a youth Parliament member who left a class unattended to attend a session.
“It is an honour for a teacher to be elected to the Youth Parliament,” Dr Juma said. “But leaving students without supervision during work hours is unacceptable and will be investigated.”
The proposal was nonetheless approved.
One of the most debated proposals in the session was to guarantee job placements for the top three graduates from every Bahraini university and college, following training in government or private entities.
Youth MP Nayef Al Maliki opposed the measure, arguing that it infringes on employer autonomy.
“This proposal interferes with employers’ right to choose their own candidates,” he said.
Khalid Al Abdullah, however, supported the initiative, calling it ‘a strategic commitment that recognises and rewards outstanding students.’
Dr Juma cited a hypothetical scenario to underline the importance of the issue.
“If we have 100 top graduates tied in first place in a faculty like arts, and 500 in second place, guaranteeing jobs for all raises complex practical questions,” he pointed out.
After deliberations, 21 members – including Speaker Al Musallam – voted against the proposal, 10 voted in favour, and two abstained, making it the only recommendation to be struck down during the session.
Meanwhile, Youth MP Mohammed Fakhro championed an initiative to develop government libraries, expand learning resource centres and enhance digital knowledge platforms to keep pace with artificial intelligence and modern technology.
Dr Juma welcomed the idea, adding that it was already among the ministry’s top priorities. The proposal was unanimously approved.
All approved proposals and draft laws will now be submitted to the Cabinet for study, in line with formal legislative procedures.
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