A blueprint for new legislation vital for a high-tech post-Covid-19 economy will be drawn up by Bahrain’s legislators.

MPs will spend the next seven-month term, starting in October, focusing on three core fields – finance and economy; national security and key services especially housing, education and healthcare.

Focus will also be on legislation to tackle cybercrime, monitor unscrupulous online sales and the digitisation of financial services.

A number of proposals were presented yesterday at a remote conference entitled Parliamentary Priorities to Overcome the Impact of Covid-19, held under the patronage of Parliament Speaker Fouzia Zainal.

“The rise of home deliveries has led to the birth of new unregulated sectors that need to be monitored,” said Parliament foreign affairs, defence and national security committee vice-chairman Bader Al Dossary.

“In the last six months, Bahrain has witnessed a major transformation. People are moving from conventional systems to a digital way of life. Unless regulated through proper legislation, cybercrimes could be on the rise.

“Crime rates on the ground have dropped during the last few months. However, violations, both minor and major, are still being committed – whether it is breaching rules related to wearing masks, illegal taxi services – and even theft and assault. We need tougher laws to crack down on violators and criminals,” he added.

MP Ahmed Al Amer, a member of the financial and economic affairs committee, praised the government’s quick responses to tackle Covid-19.

He, however, highlighted the economic impact of the pandemic and stressed the need to redirect revenues from the oil sector as the country gears up for recovery.

He also called for new laws to facilitate mergers and joint ventures so that firms hit by the pandemic can move on with minimum losses while keeping their doors open for more jobs in the future.MP Dr Masooma Abdulrahim, representing the services committee, called for fresh guidelines for the educational sector as e-learning has become the norm.

“Online education is the future and rules governing learning at home must be comprehensive and up to date while matching future needs,” she said.

The outbreak of the coronavirus (Covid-19) took its toll on the national economy, affecting business indicators of vital sectors, the Cabinet heard yesterday.mohammed@gdn.com.bh

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