Key issues on agenda

TDT | Manama

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The Shura Council meets today with an agenda topped by the committee’s draft reply to the Royal Address given by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa at the opening of the fourth session of both chambers.

The Council will consider the draft reply prepared by the committee chaired by Jamal Fakhro, First Deputy Chairman. Members are Dr Jehad Abdullah Al Fadhel, Second Deputy Chair; Dr Anwar Al-Sadah; Dr Abdulaziz Abul; Fouad Al Hajji; Lina Habib; Dr Mohammed Ali Hassan Ali; Dr Mohammed Ali Al Khuzai; Nancy Dinah Khedouri; Hala Ramzi; Dr Hani Al Saati; and Mr Hisham Al Qassab.

Also before the Council is the Foreign Affairs, Defence and National Security Committee’s report on a bill to ratify the Makkah Convention of the member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation on cooperation in anti-corruption law enforcement.

Cooperation

The convention aims to build closer cooperation between law-enforcement bodies through rapid exchange of information and enquiries.

It is intended to prevent, detect, investigate and prosecute offences covered by the convention, to recover proceeds and assets, and to strengthen the criminal justice system.

The committee recommends approval.

Ratification

It says ratification shows that Bahrain aims to tackle corruption, a key challenge for societies and states, and would support efforts to develop the national legal framework in line with the Constitution and current laws and with Bahrain’s Vision.

The report adds that the convention expands technical help, training, and the exchange of expertise among OIC member states.

This, it says, would raise the skills and capacity of national bodies tasked with fighting corruption.

The committee further states that the convention shows that Bahrain’s position in joint Islamic work fits with related global treaties the Kingdom has already joined, showing that Bahrain intends to strengthen regional and international cooperation to fight corruption and to promote openness and integrity.

The Council will also review the Public Utilities and Environment Committee’s report on a bill to amend parts of the Property Rent Law.

Citing the memorandum of the Legislation and Legal Opinion Commission, the report says the bill seeks to put into effect constitutional protection of property, set out the relationship between owners and tenants, balance rights and duties, set how rights are recovered and duties carried out, and limit any extension of expired leases to one year, whatever the original term.