Information Minister: citizens’ interests top priority

Manama, Oct.12 (BNA): The Government is resolved to redirect subsidies so as to benefit citizens whose interests represent a top priority, said Information, Parliament Affairs Minister Isa Abdulrahman Al-Hammadi. He said that any developments on plans to redirect subsidies to cover other services would be announced in due time, including the timespan, energy sector and the updated executive mechanism. Addressing a post-cabinet press briefing, he dismissed news posted on social media regarding the outbreak of Swine Flu (H1N1) as exaggerated and blown out of proportion, which sparked concern among people. He stressed the importance of seeking news from adequate sources and reassured people about the health situation in Bahrain which he described as "good and does not cause concern". He said that the Ministry of Information Affairs would join hands with other Government departments to enhance people’s awareness, stressing the need to use social media responsibly. Regarding the decision to redirect meat subsidies, he said that the Deputy Premier Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al-Khalifa had assigned a taskforce to study the adequate format for implementing the decision. Results of the study would be scrutinized jointly with the Parliament before deciding whether to deposit direct cash compensation for citizens or adopt the ration card or any other plausible alternative. Citing updated statistics, he said that citizens benefit from 20% of the Government meat subsidies only, while the remaining 80% either go to expatriates or companies to end up used for commercial purposes. The minister said that the Cabinet discussed a memo on introducing the necessary amendments so as to ensure a legal foundation authorizing spending orders issued by Municipal Councils. Citing the constitutional separation between powers, he said that the legislative branch of government is the only authority entitled to oversee the performance of the executive branch. He stressed coordination between the executive authority and elected municipal councils to prioritise projects which provide services to citizens. He pointed out that the Interior Minister would issue an edict related to the fees levied on services, adding that the prices of such services are in compliance with the law. Al-Hammadi said that the merger of certain government departments and institutions represents the first stage, adding that other phases would be announced in due time to reduce Government spending. He stressed solid coordination between the legislative and executive branches of government as per the constitutional provisions, citing the joint committee which was set up to discussed the decision to scrap meat subsides and redirect them to benefit citizens only, as well as the approval of the Government Action Plan and General State Budget. He underscored the keenness of His Royal Highness the Prime Minister to receive MPs on a weekly basis to discuss with them key issues and bolster executive-legislative cooperation.