Council sits for last session of first term today
A busy agenda, topped by Press freedom and a GCC currency, has been set by the Shura Council for its last session of the 2006-2007 term today.
Five members will table the Press Freedom Bill for a debate.
Mohammed Hadi Al Halwachi, the head of legal affairs and legislation committee who has signed the draft law, told the Tribune that they hoped for better results this time.
The bill was tabled previously but could not be discussed thoroughly and was included in today's agenda.
Press (the Fourth State) is one of the four pillars of democracy. Bahrain aspires to become a democratic state and should ensure Press freedom, Al Halwachi said.
The Bahrain Journalists Association has been spearheading for Press freedom and the association demonstrated for a free Press outside the parliament on International Press Freedom recently.
The Council will also focus on the proposed GCC currency and the Chairman will seek details from the Minister of Finance, Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, about the measurers initiated to have a unified currency by 2010 as has been set by the six-member Gulf Cooperation Council.
The Council will also seek details from the Minister of Health, Dr Nada Haffadh, about the increasing brain drain in the field of medical science and its impact on the country.
The Minister of Education, Dr Majid bin Ali Al Nuaimi, will also brief the parliamentarians on rehabilitation programmes for handicapped children.
MP Sayyed Habib Al Makki is expected to ask the Minister of Labour, Dr Majeed bin Mohsin Al Alawi, on the mechanisms used to appoint government employees this year, while MP Khaleed Abdul Rasool Al Shareef will raise queries to know whether the Ministry of Information and the Bahrain Radio and Television Corporation had set any standards for radio and TV programmes.
Chairman Ali Saleh Al Saleh will read out a congratulations message from His Majesty the King, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and the appointed House will rise for a four-month vacation.
The Council reconvenes in mid-October.
By Kakande Yasin Contributor
© Bahrain Tribune 2007
