Shura approves Makkah anti-corruption convention

TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

The Shura Council yesterday agreed, on an urgent basis, to a draft law ratifying the Makkah Convention on anti-corruption cooperation among member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and sent it to the Speaker to refer to the Prime Minister before submission to His Majesty the King.

The convention is built to speed up cooperation between law-enforcement bodies through fast exchanges of information and enquiries, to prevent, detect, investigate and prosecute covered crimes, and to recover illicit proceeds.

Committee rapporteur Hamad Al Nuaimi said: “Ratification shows Bahrain’s will to fight corruption and keeps the national legal framework in line with the Constitution and existing laws, and with the aims of Vision 2030.

” He added: “It widens technical help, training and the sharing of skills and experience among OIC states, which will raise the capacity of national anti-corruption bodies.”

Shura member Ejlal Bubshait supported the approach but asked: “Has the convention set out the reasons that justify the exchange of information without a prior formal request, and has it clarified which types of information would not require one?”

Foreign Affairs, Defence and National Security Committee head Dr Ali Al Rumaihi said: “The convention, initiated by the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, fits with related international agreements. We heard from the Interior, Foreign Affairs and Justice ministries, and we recommend approval.”

On the clause in question he said: “The text allows information-sharing without a prior formal request; it does not compel it. The aim is to speed up procedures.”

Shura member Shaikh Ahmed Al Khalifa said: “Corruption affects commercial and government bodies in many countries. We need constant audit work, above all on finances. Some people exploit their posts for personal gain at the public’s expense. That harms performance and calls for stronger oversight and accountability.”

Shura member Dr Ali Al Haddad said: “The convention aligns with constitutional principles that uphold justice and protect public money. Bahrain’s accession builds on its diplomatic efforts to curb corruption.”