Speaker: National press key partner in reform march

, May 2 (BNA): Speaker of the Representatives Council Ahmed bin Ibrahim Al Malla lauded keenness of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa on supporting free and responsible press. He praised HM the King’s appreciation of the national media and press, their glorious history and pivotal role as a key partner in the sustainable comprehensive development and reform march. The Representatives Council Speaker stressed that the press and media freedom in Bahrain is a main pillar in the royal reform project launched by HM the King in 2001. He lauded the World Press Freedom Day, which is observed on May 3 and celebrated this year under the theme "Keeping Power in Check: Media, Justice and The Rule of Law". He hailed the role of the national press in the kingdom’s development since last century and in promoting the state of law and institutions by exercising the right of objective and constructive criticism within the framework of transparency, pluralism as well as cultural and intellectual openness. The Representatives Council Speaker underlined the need to fast-track completion of the electronic press and media draft law, pointing out that the Representatives Council is awaiting the specialised ministerial committee to finish studying it in preparation for its referral. He asserted that the council will spare no effort to boost responsible freedom in the draft law and ensure it copes with the latest developments in the new media field. The Representatives Council Speaker sent a cable of congratulations to Bahrain Journalists Association (BJA), stressing the council’s keenness on the freedom of the press and journalists. He said the legislative branch considers the press and media freedom as a civilisational value and a basic human right to have access to information and express opinion freely. He also pointed out that the Representatives Council, meanwhile, affirms the importance of responsible press that calls for unity and commitment to high values and principles.