Representatives Council’s Bureau convenes

Manama, June 14 (BNA): The Bureau of the Council of Representatives has expressed its deep pride in His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s wisdom and confidence in his support for the protection of the interests of the nation and the citizens, citing the King’s constant directives to support all social segments, especially low and medium income ones, as well as retirees. This came as the council’s bureau convened here today, under the chairmanship of Speaker Ahmed bin Ibrahim Al-Mulla. The bureau decided to submit an appeal to HM the King to refer a draft-law on amending some provisions of Law 3/2008 with regards to the General Authority of Social Insurance to the Constitutional Court, in line with Article 106 which stipulates that “the King may refer to the (Constitutional) Court any draft laws before they are adopted to determine the extent of their agreement with the Constitution. The Court's determination is binding on all State authorities and on everyone.” The move follows the different decisions of Council of Representatives and the Shura Council regarding the bill on amending Law 3/2008 with regards to the General Authority of Social Insurance, and another on amending some provisions of Law 47/2010 on the management and terms of reference of the Retirement Pensions and Benefits for the Officers and Servicemen of Bahrain Defence Force and Public Security. It was also taken given the importance of the two bills on the interests and gains of citizens, and the continuity of the development of the work of pension funds, and in order to achieve all the constitutional guarantees, The council’s bureau expressed its full confidence in the Constitutional Court, given its independence, impartiality and objectivity. It also stressed its full-fledged confidence in HM the King’s wisdom and keenness to ensure that low and medium income citizens would not be affected by this bill. The bureau extended deepest congratulations to HM King Hamad on Eid Al-Fitr, wishing Bahrain and its people many happy returns of the occasion.  The panel also extended, marking the near conclusion of the fourth Legislative Term, sincere thanks and appreciation to His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier for the “effective and fruitful” cooperation of the government with the Legislature.