Information Minister: New media law on good track

Manama, Feb. 1 (BNA): The first draft of the new law on media has been finalised, said Information and Parliament Affairs Minister Isa Abdulrahman Al-Hammadi. He added that the preliminary version is undergoing the final touches at the Government, pointing out the proposed legislation would be presented to concerned sides for consultation, prior to its referral to the Government. Addressing the weekly post-Cabinet press briefing, he underscored the importance of the draft law which, he said, represents a top priority, adding that it will cover all types of media institutions. Al-Hammadi pointed out that the measures undertaken by the Ministry of Information Affairs would apply to all parties. "The letters which were sent to some newspapers were in compliance with the ordinary measures to regulate their situation and abide by the licences which authorise them to exercise their activity", he said. The minister said that the current law dates back to 2002 and stressed the developments and changes which have since happened in all media sectors, particularly technical strides. He said that the ministry is seeking a compromise which would enable newspapers to make use of certain technologies, pending the promulgation of the new law in media. "Newspapers are exercising their role in total freedom and responsibility", the minister said, adding that the media field is wide open to embrace changes and new trends. He pointed out that it would be difficult to tolerate any breach of the activity stipulated in the licences issued to media institutions, stressing the necessity of follow-up and monitoring. Responding to Bahrain News Agency (BNA) question on the Cabinet directives concerning health ministry staff, he stressed His Royal Highness the Premier’s keenness on maintaining national competences and developing their skills to keep abreast of world-standard practices. The Ministry of Health, he said, has its own training procedures and administrative frameworks, pointing out that the aim is to meet the aspirations of all sides and ensure the standard of services remains unaffected. He reiterated the resolve of the executive branch to continue cooperation with the Council of Representatives, being a key pillar of the bicameral system. "The Government continues to coordinate and follow-up all referred draft laws", he said, stressing high-level presence of officials who represent the Government in all parliamentary committees. The minister seized the occasion to commend the Council of Representatives Speaker for his constant cooperation with the Government regarding all legislative issues and parliamentary oversight procedures. He stressed the Government's commitment to legislative session agenda which is set by the Parliament bureau as per the constitutional procedures. Al-Hammadi stressed the importance of giving priority to legislative work, which has a big impact on revitalizing the economic development. He stressed the need to streamline procedures and upgrade laws to facilitate economic projects, which would enable Bahrain to withstand financial challenges in the coming period.