Executive, legislative cooperation affirmed

Manama, Feb. 29 (BNA): The Government reiterated resolve to deal seriously with law proposals and demands submitted by the Shura Council and the Council of Representatives, which make up the National Assembly. Addressing the weekly post-cabinet press briefing, Information and Parliament Affairs Minister Isa Abdulrahman Al-Hammadi affirmed the dedication of the Government to meeting citizens’ needs, focusing particularly on upgrading the infrastructure and expanding services. "The executive branch is devoted to respond quickly to all the referrals of the legislature, regarding the execution of some service projects", he said. He pointed out that the session discussed a proposal to upgrade one of the highways in Bahrain, adding that competent authorities were directed to take the necessary measures. He cited particularly Riffa Clock Tower, stressing the need to upgrade the capacity of this vital artery so as to ensure the smooth flow of traffic and meet MPs and people’s aspirations. The minister highlighted the dual function of the National Assembly - Shura Council and Parliament – under the bicameral system. The Upper and Lower Houses of Parliament submit proposals to the Government to be drafted as laws and referred back through official channels to the legislature for more scrutiny. In case decree-laws are issued during parliamentary recess, they are referred to the legislature to scrutinize them as per the procedures. Al-Hammadi highlighted the parliamentary function of oversight, citing the legislative tools which include in particular probe committees, queries and questioning. The executive then deals with all that is referred by the legislative branch of Government in due form and within the constitutional deadlines. The minister pointed out that the press and media enterprises comply to the labour law which governs the private sector. He highlighted the role of the Labour and Social Development Ministry which intervenes in cases involving arbitrary sacking and lay-offs. Asked about the decision of a press enterprise to lay-off some of its staff, Al-Hammadi stressed the need to preserve workers’ rights as per the law. "We held a meeting with the Bahrain Journalists Society and we contacted the concerned newspaper to inquire into the causes of the sackings", he said. He pointed out that he is not legally entitled to interfere in the decisions taken by any institution, being the best placed to know the challenges it is facing. All trade and industrial firms in Bahrain, he said, are legally entitled to take similar measures to alleviate their financial burdens. "What matters most to us is that journalists and media employees’ rights are protected", the minister said, stressing the possibility of helping sacked staff find other jobs, pending vacancies.