March 2015
This report looks at what each MP has been doing or saying over the past three months; in Parliament, through the media and in public statements. The below report was compiled through parliamentary sources and daily monitoring of the Bahrain media and online sources. See the bottom of this document for an explanation of the “Effectiveness ratings”
1st Capital – Adel al-Asoumi
Member of Permanent Committee for Public Utilities and Environment
Member of Government Action Plan Committee (Jan-Feb 2015).
As one of the longest-serving MPs (since 2006), Al-Asoumi has been an outspoken and visible figure in the 2015 Parliament. Al-Asoumi’s recent activity in pursuing the health fees issue and challenging the Minister of Health shows what an energetic figure he can be in pursuing issues he feels passionate about.
Al-Asoumi’s constituency covers some of the key business districts of Manama, making him an articulate advocate for small and medium-sized businesses. He also takes a strong interest in transport infrastructure.
Action Plan: During the 20 January parliamentary session Al-Asoumi spoke of the need for full cooperation with the Government in amending the Government Action Plan.
Al-Asoumi during the 27 January parliamentary session said that the Government Action Plan Committee had “fallen short” in its work by not better organizing its submissions to ministers.
Road safety: Al-Asoumi on 1 February called for cameras to be installed in traffic lights to crack down on those violating traffic laws.
Aviation: Al-Asoumi on 2 March strongly praised Gulf Air’s achievements in reducing losses, improving its performance.
Public infrastructure: The Transport Minister responded to a question by Al-Asoumi about the GCC railway, saying that the project would take 8 years, if work started in 2015.
Cartoons: During a 20 January parliamentary session discussing the new Charlie Hebdou cartoons portraying the Prophet Al-Asoumi proposed submitting recommendations to the UN outlawing “religious insults”.
Health fees: Al-Asoumi has spoken out on several occasions about the proposal for increasing health charges for non-Bahrainis, including in both the 20 and 27 January parliamentary sessions. He said that the Health Ministry’s actions was “raising the blood pressure of citizens – not treating them!”. On 31 January Al-Asoumi once again spoke out about the health charges issue accusing the Health Minister’s actions of being “unconstitutional”.
On 8 February Al-Asoumi once again called for the Minister to be summoned to Parliament for questioning. During the 10 February parliamentary session Al-Asoumi succeeded in securing consensus from MPs on a bill calling for the medical fees to be scrapped. Al-Asoumi criticized the Health Minister for not being present during the session.
Health: During the 3 March parliamentary session on revisions to the public health law, Al-Asoumi confirmed that there were many amendments needing to be made. He said that there needed to be careful consideration to ensure that there was care in distinguishing between Bahrainis brought up in the Kingdom and foreigners. On the issue of food standards of products sold on the side of the street, Al-Asoumi said that there had to be clear identification of who was responsible for monitoring these products.
Regional economy: Al-Asoumi chaired a delegation during mid-February to an Arab Parliament conference in Cairo discussing financial issues.
Effectiveness rating
Standards of living, health & education – 6
Housing & services –6
National security – 5
Good governance & corruption – 5
Economy, finances & employment – 8
Supporting constituents & youth – 6
Rights & freedoms – 4
Constructive Parliament role – 7
Public visibility – 7
Social agenda: Conservative – Reformist – 6
2nd Capital – Ahmed Qaratah
Member of Permanent Committee for Public Utilities and Environment
Member of Government Action Plan Committee (Jan-Feb 2015).
Qaratah returned to Parliament in 2014 after his successful grassroots election campaign. His constituency covers the heart of old Manama and has a diverse population which has tended in the past to favour oppositionist figures.
Qaratah has spoken out on several occasions about his concerns over rising public debt and wastage of public funds, showing himself to have a keen economic awareness.
Qaratah has consistently been willing to speak out and adopt positions that may be out of step with other parliamentary colleagues. However, his inclusion in the new National Bahrain Bloc indicates his willingness to be a team player in the new Parliament.
Revenues: Qaratah on 12 January directed questions to the Minister of Energy about revenues from sales of oil and gas, noting the need to ensure citizens benefitted from these revenues and that efforts were being made to further diversify away from dependence on oil revenues. During the 24 February parliamentary session Qaratah confronted the Energy Minister about why large national companies like Alba benefitted from free gas supply, when revenues from supply of these reserves should come back to the national budget.
Economy: In a 23 February Al-Ayam interview, Qaratah said that he doubted there would be serious discussion about public sector wage increases given the current economic situation and declining oil prices.
Action Plan: Qaratah requested to be added to the Government Action Plan Committee (19 January). His request was accepted.
Walkout: On 10 February Qaratah participated in a walkout after the head of Parliament refused to discuss media allegations of corruption in the Parliament’s Secretariat General. Qaratah said that an urgent investigation should be held if corruption had been discovered.
However, if there was no evidence then damaging accusations shouldn’t be circulated. He said that he held the Secretary General Abdullah al-Dossary responsible for dealing with the matter.
Affiliation: Qaratah announced (14 February) his participation in the five-member National Bahrain Bloc in the parliament, along with Abdulrahman Bumjaid, Ali Bufursan, Ibrahim al-Hamadi and Mohammed al-Jowder. (Although Al-Hamadi distanced himself from this decision).
Health fees: “These fees have been imposed on a large proportion of the population… given the economic circumstances, businessmen cannot afford such a tax”. (17 February)
Employment: On 2 March Qaratah directed a question to the Minister of Labour concerning provisions for unemployment insurance.
Foreign workers: During the 3 March parliamentary debate on the so-called “free visa” system”, Qaratah reported 373 homes used by foreign labourers in just three blocks in his constituency, warning that this resulted in the departure of Bahraini families from their traditional areas.
Youth: Parliament on 3 March rejected an urgent bill put forward by Qaratah calling for the conversion of a Manama youth centre into a public facility open to everyone in his constituency. This issue resulted in a dispute between Qaratah and the current head of the facility.
Economy: At a National Unity Gathering debate session on the economy on 5 March, Qaratah was one of the expert speakers. He warned of the danger of the Bahraini dinar losing its value if the national debt was allowed to increase, noting that it could reach 7bn BD by the end of 2016, noting that this was equal to 60% of GDP. He warned of the “wastage” of public funds, for example provision of gas to large public companies, the “corruption in all quarters of the state”.
Effectiveness rating
Standards of living, health & education – 6
Housing & services –6
National security – 5
Good governance & corruption – 8
Economy, finances & employment – 8
Supporting constituents & youth – 6
Rights & freedoms – 6
Constructive Parliament role – 6
Public visibility – 5
Social agenda: Conservative – Reformist – 6
3rd Capital – Adel Hamid Abdulhussain
Member of the Permanent Committee for Financial and Economic Matters
Deputy-Head of Parliamentary Human Rights Committee
Member of Government Action Plan Committee (Jan-Feb 2015).
Businessman Adel Hamid, a new MP, has quickly emerged as a confident parliamentary player who speaks out on a range of issues. He pledged to take a less confrontational approach than his predecessor Ali Shamtout, but since his election has been willing to be outspoken in raising the interests of his constituents.
Housing: Hamid on 11 January has requested that the Burhama housing project in his local constituency be speeded up.
Action Plan: On 13 January, Hamid was critical of meetings between MPs and ministers on the Government Action Plan, saying that ministers had not been forthcoming with precise information about proposed projects.
On 20 January, Hamid spoke in Parliament of the need for greater clarity from the Government Action Plan.
Education: On 26 January Hamid proposed the establishment of a girls’ primary school in Sanabis.
Road safety: Following a tragic accident in Kuwait which killed several Bahrainis, Hamid on 31 January called for measures to protect Bahrainis travelling abroad by land.
Health fees: Hamid (17 February) criticized the Health Ministry for not consulting Bahraini businesses before imposing health fees on non-Bahraini workers.
Health: During the 3 March parliamentary session on revisions to the public health law, said that substantive changes needed to be made to the old law, in order to reflect the current situation.
Bahraini workers: During the 24 February parliamentary debate concerning the Shura Council’s rejection of proposals to prefer Bahraini workers for jobs, Hamid said that Bahraini workers shouldn’t be the “weak link” and that the proposals had aimed to reform the jobs market.
Foreign labour: Hamid said on 2 March that the summoning of ministers to Parliament to discuss the issue of unregistered foreign labourers was the beginning of intense parliamentary activity on this issue. Hamid said that there were “economic and security dangers” associated with this issue. During the 3 March parliamentary debate on the so-called “free visa” system”, Hamid described the issue as a “time bomb” and warned of the gangs engaged in human trafficking.
Fishing: Hamid on 3 March called for the construction of port facilities for fishermen in Karbabad in his local constituency.
Effectiveness rating
Standards of living, health & education – 6
Housing & services –6
National security – 5
Good governance & corruption – 6
Economy, finances & employment – 8
Supporting constituents & youth – 7
Rights & freedoms – 6
Constructive Parliament role – 7
Public visibility – 7
Social agenda: Conservative – Reformist – 7
4th Capital – Abdulrahman Bumjaid
Member of Government Action Plan Committee (Jan-Feb 2015).
Member of the Permanent Committee for Foreign, Defence and National Security affairs
Bumjaid has held a parliamentary seat since 2006 and won his seat in 2014 in one of the most hotly contested constituencies. He generally positions himself as a loyalist figure well within the mainstream of parliamentary opinions. He is reportedly affiliated with the National Bahrain parliamentary bloc.
Action Plan: Bumjaid on 2 February stressed that the central criterial for accepting the Government Action Plan should be whether it addresses the aspirations of citizens. He emphasized the importance of a continued parliamentary role in guaranteeing tangible results from the Action Plan, saying in Parliament on 3 February “Your oversight of the plan is the guarantor of its implementation”.
Women’s rights: During mid-February Bumjaid participated in an Arab Parliament conference, where he stressed the importance of the Arab Charter for Women’s Rights.
Affiliation: Bumjaid is reportedly part of a new four-member National Bahrain Bloc in the Parliament (14 February).
Political societies: On 2 March Bumjaid sent a question to the Minister for Social Development concerning the activities and agenda of the American Mission Society.
Effectiveness rating
Standards of living, health & education – 5
Housing & services –5
National security – 5
Good governance & corruption – 4
Economy, finances & employment – 5
Supporting constituents & youth – 4
Rights & freedoms – 4
Constructive Parliament role – 5
Public visibility – 4
Social agenda: Conservative – Reformist – 5
5th Capital – Nasser al-Qaseer
Deputy Head of the Permanent Committee for Financial and Economic Matters
Member of the Rotten Meat Investigation Committee (established Feb 2015)
Al-Qaseer has often stressed the importance of job creation and living standards. Al-Qaseer is also a prominent advocate for strengthening Bahrain’s sporting achievements. His sporting roles include being treasurer of the Basketball Association.
Audit: Nasir al-Qaseer in early January said that six to eight weeks would be needed to properly discuss the audit, after which there would be discussion of action to be taken about parties implicated in any financial impropriety. Al-Qaseer said that there would be “no let-up in taking tough positions against any instances of corruption in government institutions.
Al-Qaseer told the media that the abuses found in the Financial Audit Bureau’s annual report were a “dangerous signal” for the wastage of public funds. He stressed that deputies should take firm action to address this. (19 January)
Financial Committee: Al-Qaseer on 25 February said that the Committee had discussed the previous Parliament’s decision on the national debt and would recommend abiding by the position of the previous Parliament. He said that the committee had also discussed additional privileges for pensioners and proposed measures for ensuring the compatibility of financial dealings with Islamic principles.
Al-Qaseer said that on 2 March the Financial Committee had discussed the Shura Council’s observations on the proposed National Debt bill. However, after comparing the positions of the Shura Council and Ministers, Al-Qaseer said that his Committee had decided to abide by the position of the previous Parliament’s Committee on the proposals. He said that the Committee has also listened to proposals from MPs on the issue of payments to low income families to counter the effects of inflation.
Services: Al-Qaseer questioned the Ministry of Social Development on 7 March about its provisions for his 5th Capital constituency.
Effectiveness rating
Standards of living, health & education – 5
Housing & services –5
National security – 4
Good governance & corruption – 5
Economy, finances & employment – 7
Supporting constituents & youth – 7
Rights & freedoms – 6
Constructive Parliament role – 4
Public visibility – 4
Social agenda: Conservative – Reformist – 7
6th Capital – Ali al-Atish
Member of the Permanent Committee for Shari’ah and Legal Matters
As one of a minority of MPs who served in the previous Parliament, Al-Atish has become an increasingly visible representative who regularly speaks out in parliamentary sessions and frequently engages the media. Al-Atish has a long standing record of being outspoken and speaking out on issues of principle, even if this occasionally puts him at odds with some of his parliamentary colleagues.
Planning: Al-Atish in Parliament on 20 January spoke out against the proposal for establishing a governmental institution for planning, saying that its powers would conflict with the powers of other governmental institutions.
Housing: Al-Atish in the 20 January parliamentary session criticized the Government’s “negligent” handling of the issue of homes that were close to collapsing
Bahrainization: Al-Atish has sponsored a proposed measure banning non-Bahrainis from taking public sector roles, except in exceptional circumstances. (31 January)
Action Plan: During the 3 February parliamentary vote on the Action Plan, Al-Atish said: “During the period of discussion of the Plan, the Government submitted statistics, figures and promises to clarify details of the proposals and the mechanisms for implementation… the statistics submitted by the Government to the Committee should be considered to be an integral part of the Plan”.
Ministerial accountability: Al-Atish was one of five MPs have submitted a proposal in early February for making it quicker and simpler for Parliament to summon ministers over issues of concern. He pointed out that monitoring Government performance was one of Parliament’s most significant roles.
Furthermore, the 2012 Constitutional Amendments give a minimum of five MPs the right to summon a minister for questioning. However, Al-Atish noted that the parliamentary code of practice set out provisions that complicated this process and went against the spirit of the 2012 Amendments.
Corruption: The 17 February parliamentary session saw a standoff between Majid al-Majid, head of the Legal Committee which had worked on measures against officials being investigated on criminal charges; and Ali al-Atish who questioned the manner in which the amendments had been handled and the motivations for introducing these measures.
King’s speech response: “We agree with the King on the need to develop education, yet we witness what the Education Ministry is doing to complicate the situation” for students. Al-Atish also called for greater investment in opportunities for young people. (17 February)
Medical: Al-Atish criticized the Ministry of Education’s decision to stop recognizing educational certificates from Chinese medical colleges. He said that the Ministry had failed to provide any evidence for the weaknesses of these institutions.
Effectiveness rating
Standards of living, health & education – 5
Housing & services – 5
National security – 4
Good governance & corruption – 8
Economy, finances & employment – 6
Supporting constituents & youth – 6
Rights & freedoms – 6
Constructive Parliament role – 7
Public visibility – 6
Social agenda: Conservative – Reformist – 7
7th Capital – Osamah al-Khajah
Member of the Permanent Committee for Services
Member of Committee for Youth and Sports
Businessman Al-Khajah focused on the housing issue during his election campaign. However, he has been notable for giving most attention to issues related to public health and medical services.
Through his Services Committee role Al-Khajah frequently engages the media, and on many issues like health fees, food standards and defence, his position is well within the consensus of majority opinion within the Parliament.
Food safety: On 9 February Al-Khajah stressed his support for setting up a parliamentary committee for investigating the rotten imported meat issue.
Commodity prices: On 15 February Al-Khajah addressed the Ministry of Industry, saying that the Ministry had abandoned its former role of securing low prices for consumers.
Services Committee: Al-Khajah on 11 February said that the Services Committee had agreed on a public health bill. He said there had also been discussion of the new employment bill that the Shura Council had rejected saying that it was prejudicial against non-Bahrainis. Al-Khajah said that the parliamentary committee continued to support the bill. The Committee also discussed proposals for modifying retirement benefits for public sector workers.
Health: Al-Khajah on 18 February strongly criticized the new fees incurred on non-Bahraini workers for health services, saying that it amounted to a “health tax” on the private sector.
Al-Khajah stressed that the response to the King’s speech should emphasize “the necessity of cooperation with the executive branch over legislation and auditing, to achieve improvements in health services. Improving health programs is our first and second priority”. (17 February)
Defence: Al-Khajah on 9 February stated the “unconditional support” of the Parliament for modernizing and empowering the Defence Forces. On 2 March praised the role of the Defence Forces as the “resistant shield of the nation against those with hostile ambitions”.
Foreign workers: During the 3 March parliamentary debate on the so-called “free visa” system”, blamed Bahraini citizens for complicity in this issue. He called for comprehensive solutions.
Construction: Al-Khajah positively commented on the referral of two stalled construction projects for judicial investigation, saying this showed the seriousness of ministers in addressing these projects and preserving the rights of investors and shareholders.
Effectiveness rating
Standards of living, health & education – 7
Housing & services –6
National security – 6
Good governance & corruption – 6
Economy, finances & employment – 7
Supporting constituents & youth – 5
Rights & freedoms – 4
Constructive Parliament role – 6
Public visibility – 6
Social agenda: Conservative – Reformist – 5
8th Capital – Shaikh Majid al-Asfour
Member of the Permanent Committee for Foreign, Defence and National Security Affairs
Member of Committee for Supporting the Palestinian People
Shia Cleric Al-Asfour was the only deputy to win his seat by default in the 2014 elections, after the other candidates pulled out in a local campaign marred by violence. Al-Asfour’s Sitra constituency is an opposition stronghold although he comes from the staunchly loyalist Asfour family. During his 2014 election campaign, Al-Asfour endured multiple arson attacks against his property from militants trying to deter him from participating.
Planning: Al-Asfour criticized the Legal Affairs Committee’s decision to reject the proposal for establishing a governmental institution for planning, saying that all around Bahrain evidence could be seen of the lack of strategic planning. (20 January)
Public infrastructure: Al-Asfour during the 17 February parliamentary session called on the Minister of Works to accelerate projects planned for Nabih Saleh, saying “Let’s win over the hearts and minds of the people of Nabih Saleh by accelerating the work on infrastructure for the area adjacent to the new housing project”.
On 2 March Al-Asfour questioned the Minister of Energy about its approach for repairing non-functioning street lamps.
Budget: Al-Asfour has spoken out on the need to reduce State Budget dependence on oil. He said: “Planning for diversification of sources of revenue is a matter of life and death”.
Bahraini workers: During the 24 February parliamentary debate concerning the Shura Council’s rejection of proposals to prefer Bahraini workers for jobs, Al-Asfour said that the Shura Council’s decision had “created a negative impression towards the legislative sector” and that Bahrainis should always be given preferential treatment for work.
Effectiveness rating
Standards of living, health & education – 6
Housing & services – 7
National security – 4
Good governance & corruption – 6
Economy, finances & employment – 6
Supporting constituents & youth – 5
Rights & freedoms – 6
Constructive Parliament role – 6
Public visibility – 5
Social agenda: Conservative – Reformist – 4
9th Capital – Mohammed Jaffar Milad
Member of the Permanent Committee for Shari’ah and Legal Matters
Member of the Rotten Meat Investigation Committee (established Feb 2015)
Al-Milad won his seat in southern Sitra in the 2014 elections, despite not establishing a media profile for himself at a national level. He continues to be a low key MP, not given to speaking out to the media. However, he is increasingly coming across in Parliament as a figure with an individual perspective who is willing to take a position contrary to that of other MPs. Milad was the only deputy to abstain and not vote in favour during the 24 February parliamentary vote on regulations governing retired military personnel.
Bahrainization: Milad has sponsored a proposed measure banning non-Bahrainis from taking public sector roles, except in exceptional circumstances. (31 January)
During the 24 February parliamentary debate concerning the Shura Council’s rejection of proposals to prefer Bahraini workers for jobs, Milad noted the confusion arising as a result of naturalized Bahrainis.
Corruption: During the 17 February parliamentary debate concerning measures against officials being investigated on criminal charges. Al-Milad criticized the way that the issue was being addressed and said that suspension of officials without pay, prior to a ruling on their guilt violated their rights. Al-Milad was one of a small minority of MPs (including Mohammed al-Ahmed, Ali al-Atish and Majid al-Asfour) who voted against.
Roads: On 22 February, Milad was among five MPs (Ali al-Atish, Fatima al-Asfour, Abbas al-Madhi, Ghazi Al Rahmah) requesting that the Sehla road be linked directly to the main highway.
Ex-Military restrictions: In the 24 February parliamentary vote preventing former army personnel from taking military jobs overseas, Milad questioned why this measure had been rushed into Parliament and expressed reservations about the lack of recourse to appeal for those who were refused permission to work for foreign contractors. Milad was the only MP not to vote in favour.
Effectiveness rating
Standards of living, health & education – 4
Housing & services –4
National security – 4
Good governance & corruption – 6
Economy, finances & employment – 6
Supporting constituents & youth – 5
Rights & freedoms – 6
Constructive Parliament role – 3
Public visibility – 2
Social agenda: Conservative – Reformist – 5
10th Capital – Nabil al-Balooshi
Member of the Permanent Committee for Foreign, Defence and National Security Affairs
Al-Balooshi is a Sunni cleric who has already demonstrated a tendency to align himself with the few other Islamist MPs in Parliament. He represents West Eker, Sanad and the south of Isa Town. Al-Balooshi’s Islamist credentials appear to be tempered by a determination to raise issues close to the hearts of local people, like living standards and job creation.
Electricity: On 19 January Al-Balooshi requested from the Energy Ministry additional information on its actions to address unpaid electricity bills. This issue was addressed by the Energy Minister during the 24 February parliamentary session who denied that any companies were excepted from paying energy bills.
Policing: On 2 February Al-Balooshi paid a visit to security men injured in terrorist attacks, praising their bravery in “standing against those who wish to harm the Kingdom”.
Women’s rights: Al-Balooshi was one of a clique of MPs who advocated an allowance for women who refrained from working. Their controversial and much-criticized proposal asserted that they should encourage women to remain in the home”.
Walk-out: On 10 February Al-Balooshi participated in a walkout after the head of Parliament refused to discuss media allegations of corruption in the Parliament’s Secretariat General.
King’s speech response: Improving living standards is the concern of everyone… We want our nation to be a centre for health tourism”. (17 February)
Employment: Al-Balooshi on 23 February questioned the Work Minister about job creation initiatives in his 10th Capital constituency.
Effectiveness rating
Standards of living, health & education – 5
Housing & services – 6
National security – 6
Good governance & corruption – 4
Economy, finances & employment – 5
Supporting constituents & youth – 7
Rights & freedoms – 3
Constructive Parliament role – 4
Public visibility – 5
Social agenda: Conservative – Reformist – 2
Muharraq Governorate
1st Muharraq – Ali Bufursan
Head of Committee for Youth and Sports
Member of the Permanent Committee for Services
During the 2014 elections Bufursan established himself as a remarkable candidate in a highly competitive constituency in central Muharraq. He has continued to be an energetic MP with views on a broad range of issues.
Bufursan has reportedly affiliated himself with the National Bahrain bloc which has stressed the importance of taking action against officials indicted by the Financial Audit Bureau’s report.
Planning: Bufursan spoke in Parliament on 20 January about the urgent need for establishing a governmental institution for planning, saying that this could be an important centre for research.
Action Plan: On 25 January Bufursan spoke out against proposed further extensions to the study period of the Government Action Plan in the absence of additional measures to improve standards of living.
Education: Bufursan on 21 January said that the Services Committee had rejected the draft bill from the Shura Council concerning private educational institutions, because it was too similar to existing legislation.
Youth: On 2 February Bufursan said that his Committee had agreed to proposals for establishing a youth centre in the 2nd Muharraq constituency. On 7 February Bufursan announced additional youth centres for the Capital, Muharraq and Southern Governorates.
On 2 March Bufursan stated that following through on the proposals from the parliamentary youth sports event the previous week was an “absolute priority”.
Affiliation: Bufursan is reportedly part of a new four-member National Bahrain Bloc in the Parliament (14 February).
Health: Bufursan has suggested that Bahrainis based abroad have equal access to health care in comparison with other Bahrainis. He cited the example of students, who he said should enjoy the same privileges as other Bahrainis while abroad.
Youth: Bufursan on 6 March praised the positive response given to his proposals for youth by the Head of the Defence Forces during a recent parliamentary debate. Bufursan also warned that “a segment of the youth have deviated from the national moral path, we must help them back to the right approach”.
Effectiveness rating
Standards of living, health & education – 5
Housing & services – 5
National security – 7
Good governance & corruption – 5
Economy, finances & employment – 6
Supporting constituents & youth – 7
Rights & freedoms – 5
Constructive Parliament role – 7
Public visibility – 8
Social agenda: Conservative – Reformist – 4
2nd Muharraq – Ibrahim al-Hamadi
Member of Permanent Committee for Public Utilities and Environment
Member of Committee for Youth and Sports
Although Al-Hamadi represents a central Muharraq constituency which tends to favour Sunni Islamist candidates, it is not yet clear whether Al-Hamadi’s natural affiliations are with the Islamists or more moderate Sunnis in the Parliament.
In mid-February Al-Hamadi denied reports that he had taken a decision to join the National Bahrain Bloc.
Audit: Al-Hamadi has called for deputies to act decisively to put an end to the abuses cited in the Financial Audit Bureau’s annual report (17 January)
Fishing: On 31 January Al-Hamadi praised the efforts of the Prime Minister in addressing the challenges facing local fishermen.
Action Plan: On 2 February, Al-Hamadi said that deputies would approve the Government Action Plan if “the most prominent of our demands are addressed”.
Affiliation: Al-Hamadi was reported to be part of the five-member National Bahrain Bloc in the Parliament (14 February). However, the following day Al-Hamadi issued a statement denying that he had taken a decision to join any bloc.
Women’s rights: Al-Hamadi was one of a clique of MPs who advocated an allowance for women who refrained from working. Their controversial and much-criticized proposal asserted that they should encourage women to remain in the home”.
Media: On 9 February Al-Hamadi called for parliamentary sessions to be aired live on national TV.
Effectiveness rating
Standards of living, health & education – 6
Housing & services – 5
National security – 5
Good governance & corruption – 5
Economy, finances & employment – 5
Supporting constituents & youth – 5
Rights & freedoms – 3
Constructive Parliament role – 5
Public visibility – 5
Social agenda: Conservative – Reformist – 4
3rd Muharraq – Jamal Buhassan
Deputy Head of the Permanent Committee for Foreign, Defence and National Security affairs
Member of the Committee for Women and Children
Head of the Rotten Meat Investigation Committee (established Feb 2015)
Buhassan demonstrated his local Muharraq support base by winning his seat in 2014 against numerous other strong candidates. Loyalty to his constituency’s interests is clearly an important matter for Buhassan. He regularly speaks out on issues close to the hearts of local people.
Buhassan’s advocacy on the “rotten meat” issue led to his nomination by parliamentary colleagues as the head of the committee to investigate this issue. The issue of food safety and security is clearly a matter Buhassan feels passionately about. In debates, Buhassan’s gentle and conciliatory approach often comes across, which appears to earn him the respect of his colleagues. However, many of his public statements and positions indicate a clear inclination towards the Islamist wing of the Parliament.
Food security: On 14 January, Buhassan spoke out about the need for achieving “food security” in Bahrain and keeping prices of essential goods low. He criticized the levels of attention that Government ministries had given this issue.
On 2 February Buhassan praised measures taken by the Crown Prince to address the “rotten meat” issue and improve monitoring of imported meats. On 8 February, Buhassan stressed that he would vote in favour of the creation of a parliamentary committee to address the rotten meat issue.
On 16 February it was announced that Buhassan would head the committee to investigate the rotten meat issue. He pledged to work with “independence and transparency” to discover whether companies had deliberately imported meat that they knew to be unfit for consumption.
On 24 February Buhassan submitted a formal question to the Planning Minister concerning the Ministry’s strategy for food security. On 3 March Buhassan once again questioned the Minister on the same issue.
Health fees: Regarding the imposition of health fees on Bahraini firms with foreign workers, Buhassan said: “Imposing these fees is constitutionally questionable. The constitution guarantees the right of citizens to health treatment”. (17 February)
Action Plan: On 19 January, Buhassan stressed that deputies should not approve the Government Action Plan without further details being added about proposed projects.
Defence: Buhassan on 18 February welcomed comments by King Hamad praising the role of Bahrain’s Defence Forces. Buhassan praised the role of the Interior Ministry and the security forces in guaranteeing security and stability during the difficult period Bahrain had faced.
Ex-Military restrictions: In the 24 February parliamentary vote preventing former army personnel from taking military jobs overseas, Bin-Huwail stressed the fundamental importance of protecting national security. He said that those who were expressing reservations had failed to read the proposals properly, noting that the Defence Committee had studied the proposals in great detail.
Defence Committee: Buhassan said that on 2 March the committee discussed a new draft legal regime for registering births and deaths.
Iran: Buhassan on 25 February warned of Iran’s activity against Bahrain, saying: “Bahraini is just a first step and key for Iran to execute its plans against the GCC”.
Affiliation: On 21 February Buhassan categorically rejected any prospect of affiliating himself with any political society. He said that he would remain loyal to the pledge he made to voters to stand as an independent.
Foreign workers: During the 3 March parliamentary debate on the so-called “free visa” system”, called for the formation of a permanent public committee to monitor the issue.
Quran: Buhassan said that he was one of five MPs who were petitioning for a parliamentary committee of inquiry about the recitation of Quranic verses during a school talent contest. He said: “Insulting the Holy Quran is an insult to all Muslims and to Bahrain”.
Effectiveness rating
Standards of living, health & education – 8
Housing & services – 7
National security – 7
Good governance & corruption – 5
Economy, finances & employment – 5
Supporting constituents & youth – 7
Rights & freedoms – 4
Constructive Parliament role – 7
Public visibility – 6
Social agenda: Conservative – Reformist – 3
4th Muharraq – Isa al-Kooheji
Head of the Permanent Committee for Financial and Economic Matters
Member of Government Action Plan Committee (Jan-Feb 2015).
Al-Kooheji is one of the longest serving figures in the current Parliament and therefore speaks with authority and influence on a range of matters. In 2014 he won his seat outright in the first round with over 50% of the vote.
On key issues of concern, like housing and health fees, he is often outspoken and articulate in criticizing the positions of Government ministers. Although his positions are broadly in line with the consensus of other MPs, he will sometimes take a differing viewpoint on controversial issues. For example, he defended the rights of employers not to be forced to prefer Bahraini candidates. On other related issues he frequently adopts a pro-business position.
Action Plan:Al-Kooheji was initially highly critical of the 2015-2018 Government Action Plan, which he said lacked detail, timescales and budgetary considerations, and at an early stage seemed to be lobbying against approval of the draft. However, he was one of the 37 deputies who approved the Plan on 3 February.
Housing: On 12 January Al-Kooheji requested from the Ministry of Housing information about ongoing projects in his local 4th Muharraq constituency.
On 24 February Al-Kooheji confronted the Housing Minister in Parliament, complaining that the statistics he had presented concerning the 4th Muharraq constituency housing projects were vague and accusing him of not giving proper answers to fomally submitted questions.
Media: On 26 January Al-Kooheji participated in the “This is Bahrain” event in Belgium, stating that “Bahrain is a nation of coexistence and tolerance which respects human rights”.
Standards of living: On 2 February Al-Kooheji questioned the Ministry of Social Development on levels of support for families of his 4th Muharraq constituency.
Budget: On 9 February Al-Kooheji discussed the parliamentary strategy for discussing the 2015-2016 Budget, stressing the need to balance the needs of citizens with financial constraints, as well as the importance of Parliament’s role in monitoring the effective spending of the Budget on priority projects.
Health fees: Al-Kooheji during the 17 February parliamentary session was among the MPs who strongly criticized the Ministry of Health’s new measures. He said that it violated the constitutional principle of equality and was purely targeted against the private sector.
Heritage: Al-Kooheji has called for the renovation of older areas of Bahrain, with the aim of preserving their “Bahraini identity”. (21 February)
Ex-Military restrictions: In the 24 February parliamentary vote preventing former army personnel from taking military jobs overseas, Al-Kooheji said that ultimately security had to come before human rights concerns. Ali al-Aradi disagreed with him, saying that the measures took into account human rights considerations.
Bahraini workers: During the 24 February parliamentary debate concerning the Shura Council’s rejection of proposals to prefer Bahraini workers for jobs, was the only MP who spoke out against these proposals, citing the rights of businessmen to hire and fire who they choose.
Foreign labour: Al-Kooheji led the call from 15 MPs for a public debate about the issue of unregistered labourers under the so-called “free visa” system. (Other MPs: Al- al-Aradi, Jamal Dawoud, Jalal Kadhim, Abdullah Bin-Huwail, Abbas al-Madhi, Ghazi Al Rahmah, Adel Hamid, Nasir al-Qaseer, Khalid al-Shaer, Majid al-Majid, Anas Buhindi, Hamad al-Dossary, Mohammed al-Jowder, Abdulrahman Bu-Ali).
Audit Bureau: Al-Kooheji’s Financial Committee on 2 March extensively discussed the annual audit report. Al-Kooheji said that the Committee would be putting forward its recommendations and observations in a few days. During the 3 March parliamentary session Al-Kooheji called for the formation of a committee to address this issue. 31 MPs voted in favour.
Audit Bureau: Al-Kooheji said that the committee recommendations on follow up measures for the audit report would be likely to include interrogations, investigation committees, the submission of some cases to the public prosecutor, as well as questioning ministers about abuses in their departments. (4 March)
Foreign relations: Al-Kooheji stressed the importance of Bahraini-UK relations during his meeting with the British Ambassador, along with MPs Majid al-Majid, Jamila al-Sammak, Khalid al-Shaer and Nasir al-Qaseer.
Finance: Al-Kooheji said that on 4 March his committee had rejected a proposal for issuing “development bonds”, given the current economic conditions. He said that the Committee had completed its discussion of the audit report, which would be submitted to the Parliament administration. The Committee has also approved amendments for monitoring pearls and precious stones, with the aim of Bahrain becoming once again an international centre for natural pearls.
Effectiveness rating
Standards of living, health & education – 5
Housing & services – 7
National security – 5
Good governance & corruption – 7
Economy, finances & employment – 8
Supporting constituents & youth – 5
Rights & freedoms – 5
Constructive Parliament role – 8
Public visibility – 8
Social agenda: Conservative – Reformist – 6
5th Muharraq – Mohammed al-Jowder
Member of the Permanent Committee for Foreign, Defence and National Security affairs
Member of Parliamentary Human Rights Committee
Member of the Committee for Women and Children
Member of Government Action Plan Committee (Jan-Feb 2015).
Al-Jowder has shown a willingness to be outspoken and question Government policies where he feels that the interests of his constituents have been neglected. He is reportedly affiliated with the new National Bahrain bloc, which has declared that it will prioritize the issue of the Financial Audit Bureau report and measures against officials indicted by the report.
On several issues being voted on by the Parliament, like the Government Action Plan and employment restrictions on ex-military personnel, Al-Jowder may on occasions be outspoken about the details of the proposals, but tends to vote in line with the majority of his colleagues.
Action Plan:On 13 January Al-Jowder spoke about his participation in the meeting with ministers to discuss the Government Action Plan. However, he refused to give details, saying that the ministers themselves had not given details about their proposals.
On the 27 January parliamentary session Al-Jowder spoke out against extending the work of the Government Action Plan Committee, saying that recent statements from the Information Minister had “belittled” the work of the deputies. This assertion was rejected by the Parliamentary Affairs Minister.
In the 3 February parliamentary session for voting on the Government Action plan, Al-Jowder said that he regretted the lack of means of evaluation in the plan.
Audit: On 17 January Al-Jowder called for action to return the “squandered funds” cited in the Financial Audit Bureau’s annual report to the state budget.
Housing: On 25 January Al-Jowder proposed changing the name of the Hidd housing project to “King Abdullah Town” in honour of the deceased Saudi monarch.
On 21 Feb Al-Jowder issued a statement calling for measures to prevent bachelors from renting accommodation in localities designated for Bahraini families. He cited incidents where women or families had suffered harassment from groups of bachelors and criticized the “greed” of landlords in cramming numerous unmarried males into small apartments without consideration for local residents.
Health: On 31 January Al-Jowder questioned the policy of the Health Ministry in not keeping health centres in Muharraq open until late at night.
Affiliation: Al-Jowder is reportedly part of the new National Bahrain Bloc in the Parliament (14 February). On 18 February Al-Jowder ridiculed his reported affiliations with Al-Asalah, saying that he did not represent any political society and denying that he had been one of the Asalah MPs who had walked out of Parliament on 10 February.
Walkout: On 10 February Al-Jowder was reported to have participated in a walkout after the head of Parliament refused to discuss media allegations of corruption in the Parliament’s Secretariat General. On 14 February Al-Jowder denied that he had walked out of the session, saying that he had departed to remonstrate with the MPs who had and that he returned to the session afterwards.
Al-Jowder called for all sides to calm down and look for civilized ways of addressing the dispute which arose over these allegations, affirming his confidence in Parliament head Ahmed al-Mulla.
Ex-Military restrictions: In the 24 February parliamentary vote preventing former army personnel from taking military jobs overseas, Al-Jowder said that as a former member of the military he had concerns about the extension of the ban from military work overseas from five to ten years, which Al-Jowder said was excessive and could reduce levels of recruitment into the military. Al-Jowder said that the proposals required further discussion, but voted in favour.
Foreign workers: During the 3 March parliamentary debate on the so-called “free visa” system”, Al-Jowder said that many of these workers “were unconscious the whole day because of consuming alcohol” as well as getting into fights and perpetrating sexual assaults.
Media: Al-Jowder criticized Bahrain TV for “censoring” sensitive debates and viewpoints. He renewed the call for broadcasting parliamentary debates live on the TV. He claimed that the TV news had deliberately not aired his comments on the recent bill pertaining to legal military matters. (7 March)
Effectiveness rating
Standards of living, health & education – 6
Housing & services – 6
National security – 6
Good governance & corruption – 6
Economy, finances & employment – 6
Supporting constituents & youth – 6
Rights & freedoms – 5
Constructive Parliament role – 6
Public visibility – 6
Social agenda: Conservative – Reformist – 4
6th Muharraq – Abbas al-Madhi
Head of the Permanent Committee for Services
Member of Government Action Plan Committee (Jan-Feb 2015).
Al-Madhi represents the only Shia/opposition majority constituency in Muharraq, covering the Dair and Samaheej areas. He is a low key figure and once again heads the Services Committee.
However, he seems to prefer to keep his head down even on issues within his specialization, so it is often other members of his committee, like Osamah al-Khajah, who are observed discussing business that Al-Madhi has presided over.
Media: In early February Al-Madhi said that the Government had requested the withdrawal of the proposed new media law that was being debated by Parliament.
Walkout: Following the 10 February walkout by MPs affiliated with Al-Asalah. Abbas al-Madhi said in a statement that these figures had acted “according to narrow and non-nationalistic affiliations”, calling for measures to be taken against “all MPs who exceeded the limits of respect”.
He specifically criticized Mohammed al-Ahmed who began shouting at Head of Parliament Ahmed al-Mulla when his microphone was turned off during the session.
Bahraini workers: During the 24 February parliamentary debate concerning the Shura Council’s rejection of proposals to prefer Bahraini workers for jobs, Al-Madhi stressed the importance of pursuing the proposals. He stressed that the measures were in line with the Vision 2030 initiative which aimed to make Bahrainis the preferred choice for recruitment.
Foreign workers: During the 3 March parliamentary debate on the so-called “free visa” system”, Al-Madhi said that the necessary laws existed, but they weren’t being implemented.
Services Committee: Al-Madhi said that on 25 February the issues his committee discussed included educational broadcasting, proposals for an employment fund, bringing investment into line with Islamic principles, and proposed new health centres.
Women’s rights: Al-Madhi on 28 February told the Gulf Daily News that women were often prejudiced in the workplace: “In Bahrain now, most ministries prefer men over women in some jobs,” he said. “Younger generations don’t have that problem, but the older generation does. There is still gender discrimination.”
Effectiveness rating
Standards of living, health & education – 5
Housing & services – 7
National security – 5
Good governance & corruption – 6
Economy, finances & employment – 6
Supporting constituents & youth – 5
Rights & freedoms – 6
Constructive Parliament role – 4
Public visibility – 3
Social agenda: Conservative – Reformist – 5
7th Muharraq – Ali al-Muqla (Asalah)
Member of the Permanent Committee for Services
Member of the Rotten Meat Investigation Committee (established Feb 2015)
As one of the two representatives from the Salafist Asalah party, Al-Muqla has a clear Islamist agenda. However, he has also tackled populist issues like the rotten imported meat scandal. His comments on issues related to the State Budget and the need to rein in spending, increase revenues and consider the national debt, demonstrate a concern for macroeconomic issues.
Action Plan:On 20 January Al-Muqla spoke critically of the Government Action Plan, which he said lacked clarity and mechanisms for implementation. Al-Muqla criticized the “generalities and theoretical pleasantries” found in the Action Plan, saying that “fundamental clarifications and additions would be needed” in order for the proposals to be approved.
Al-Muqla said that the drop in oil prices needed to be accounted for so that the public properly understood how this impacted Government activity, “especially when 86% of the Government’s general revenue comes from oil industry incomes”.
Financial Audit Bureau Report: On 16 February Al-Muqla stressed Parliament’s seriousness in taking measures against officials who had committed abuses, saying that serious cases may justify summoning ministers for interrogation and referral of cases to the Public Prosecution.
Planning: Al-Muqla spoke in Parliament on 20 January about the urgent need for establishing a governmental institution for planning.
Food safety: Al-Muqla has been closely involved in the “rotten meat” issue and has been fiercely critical of the companies cited as being involved in importing meats unfit for consumption.
Health fees: Al-Muqla has stated that Bahraini citizens are the primary “victims” of the Health Ministry’s “medical tax” on non-Bahraini workers. He said that the fees would make small businesses less economic and would increase inflation, claiming that the fees were unconstitutional.
Women’s rights: Al-Muqla was one of a clique of MPs (also Isa Turki, Ibrahim al-Hamadi, Nabil al-Balooshi and Jamal Dawoud) who advocated an allowance for women who refrained from working. Their controversial and much-criticized proposal asserted that they should “encourage women to remain in the home”.
Budget: Al-Muqla said that parliamentarians would not pass the state budget without ensuring how it benefitted citizens. He said that the Budget would be the key test for judging whether the Government Action Plan proposals were serious and meaningful.
Effectiveness rating
Standards of living, health & education – 6
Housing & services –6
National security – 5
Good governance & corruption – 7
Economy, finances & employment – 6
Supporting constituents & youth – 7
Rights & freedoms – 3
Constructive Parliament role – 6
Public visibility – 6
Social agenda: Conservative – Reformist – 2
8th Muharraq – Abdulrahman Bu-Ali
Member of the Permanent Committee for Financial and Economic Matters
Head of the Committee for Responding to the King’s Speech (Jan 2015)
Member of Government Action Plan Committee (Jan-Feb 2015).
Member of the Rotten Meat Investigation Committee (established Feb 2015)
Over the past two months Bu-Ali has been one of the less visible figures in Parliament. Therefore it is not yet clear where his affiliations may lie and what issues he is likely to prioritize.
Conference: Bu-Ali attended the Islamic Parliament Conference in Turkey (19 January) as the representative of the Bahraini Parliament.
King’s speech: On 26 January Bu-Ali said that his Committee was making progress in drafting its response to the King’s speech. On 9 February, Bu-Ali said that the final draft of the parliamentary response would be put before Parliament “this month”. On 11 February it was reported that the Committee had completed its final draft.
Food safety: In the 27 January parliamentary session Bu-Ali questioned the Ministry of Trade on actions it had taken regarding the “rotten meat” issue.
Foreign workers: During the 3 March parliamentary debate on the so-called “free visa” system”, Bu-Ali said that the fault lay with Bahraini citizens who “engaged in people trafficking and were more dangerous than drug dealers”.
Effectiveness rating
Standards of living, health & education – 5
Housing & services –6
National security – 5
Good governance & corruption – 5
Economy, finances & employment – 5
Supporting constituents & youth – 5
Rights & freedoms – 5
Constructive Parliament role – 3
Public visibility – 3
Social agenda: Conservative – Reformist – 5
Northern Governorate
1st Northern – Fatimah al-Asfour
Deputy Head of the Committee for Women and Children
Member of the Permanent Committee for Shari’ah and Legal Matters
Fatimah al-Asfour won her seat in a strongly pro-opposition area on Bahrain’s northern coast, despite hardly establishing any public profile for herself. According to her candidacy publicity, she was campaigning on a predominantly pro-family agenda, which has translated into her senior role on the Women and Children Committee.
Al-Asfour continues to be one of the less visible MPs. As one of only three women in Parliament, we hope that she gains in confidence.
Roads: On 22 February, Al-Asfour was among five MPs (Ali al-Atish, Majid Milad, Abbas al-Madhi, Ghazi Al Rahmah) requesting that the Sehla road be linked directly to the main highway.
Housing: Al-Asfour sent a question to the Housing Minister on 2 March asking about progress on the “Northern Town” housing scheme.
Effectiveness rating
Standards of living, health & education – 5
Housing & services –5
National security – 5
Good governance & corruption – 5
Economy, finances & employment – 5
Supporting constituents & youth – 5
Rights & freedoms – 6
Constructive Parliament role – 1
Public visibility – 1
Social agenda: Conservative – Reformist – 5
2nd Northern – Jalal Kadhim al-Mahfoudh
Deputy Head of Committee for Youth and Sports
Member of the Permanent Committee for Financial and Economic Matters
Member of Government Action Plan Committee (Jan-Feb 2015).
Kadhim’s constituency is centred around Diraz and was therefore at the heart of the opposition’s elections boycott. As one of the younger candidates, Kadhim fought a brave and energetic elections campaign and continues to be an assertive figure within Parliament who has made good on his promises to raise the concerns of young people from his locality.
Land use: Kadhim on 11 January requested from the Ministry of Works that an agricultural area in Diraz, his local constituency, be converted into a central market.
On 12 January Kadhim criticized “contradictions” in statements by the Municipalities Ministry regarding land usage. He requested greater “transparency” from the Ministry in discussing future land usage proposals.
Action Plan:Kadhim said that the Government Action Plan should give additional attention to facilities for young people (19 January).
Education: Kadhim has proposed the construction of a new secondary school near the Budaya highway (17 January)
Financial Audit Bureau Report: On 16 February Kadhim said that the Financial Committee was finalizing its analysis on the cases of corruption and mismanagement cited in the audit report and that their recommendations would soon be ready to pass on to the full Parliament.
National Action Charter: On the 14 February anniversary of the 2001 Constitution Referendum, a joint statement from deputies Jalal Kadhim, Hamad al-Dossary and Ghazi Al Rahmah said that “His Majesty the King’s announcement of comprehensive reforms in Bahrain was the greatest achievement for Bahrain”.
Transport: On 21 February, Kadhim observed that measures being taken on the Saudi Causeway were having a positive impact in reducing congestion.
Fishing: Kadhim on 4 March called for greater support for local fishermen and better port facilities. He noted the need for attention to be given to the Diraz area of his constituency.
Education: Kadhim questioned the Education Ministry about plans for making education better-suited to providing skills needed for the work place and making Bahraini graduates more competitive. He directed a series of questions to the Ministry requiring a breakdown of their own recruitment programme. (7 March)
Health: Al-Kadhim has called for the creation of a specialized centre for treating sickle cell. (7 March)
Effectiveness rating
Standards of living, health & education – 8
Housing & services –6
National security – 4
Good governance & corruption – 6
Economy, finances & employment – 6
Supporting constituents & youth – 8
Rights & freedoms – 7
Constructive Parliament role – 5
Public visibility – 6
Social agenda: Conservative – Reformist – 7
3rd Northern – Hamad al-Dossary
Member of the Permanent Committee for Shari’ah and Legal Matters
Member of Parliamentary Human Rights Committee
As a pro-youth candidate, Hamad emerged during the 2014 elections as perhaps one of the most recognizable new faces, gaining plenty of media coverage. He was active through the social media and engaging widely with the local public. Amongst his parliamentary colleagues Al-Dossary has yet to distinguish himself. However, he is clearly a well-motivated figure with a lot to contribute.
Action Plan: At the parliamentary session for approving the PlanAl-Dossary proposed the creation of an independent initiative for strengthening the role of the municipal councils. He called on MPs and Ministers to implement their promises in this regard.
Terrorism: During mid-February Al-Dossary was part of a delegation that attended a counter-terrorism conference in Geneva.
National Action Charter: On the 14 February anniversary of the 2001 Constitution Referendum, a joint statement from deputies Jalal Kadhim, Hamad al-Dossary and Ghazi Al Rahmah said that “His Majesty the King’s announcement of comprehensive reforms in Bahrain was the greatest achievement for Bahrain”.
Effectiveness rating
Standards of living, health & education – 4
Housing & services –4
National security – 6
Good governance & corruption – 4
Economy, finances & employment – 5
Supporting constituents & youth – 5
Rights & freedoms – 5
Constructive Parliament role – 3
Public visibility – 3
Social agenda: Conservative – Reformist – 6
4th Northern – Ghazi Al Rahmah
Deputy Head of Permanent Committee for Public Utilities and Environment
Member of Committee for Youth and Sports
Al Rahmah is one of the younger MPs and hails from a largely pro-opposition constituency centred on Jidhafs and Sehla. He has spoken out confidently on a number of occasions in defence of improving public spending in order to benefit low-income Bahrainis more effectively. However, during parliamentary sessions he is inclined to be one of the quieter participants.
Housing: Al Rahmah on 12 January formally requested information from the Housing Ministry about ongoing projects in his local 4th Northern constituency.
Families: On 22 February Al Rahmah submitted queries to the Ministry for Social Development about provisions for families in the 4th Northern constituency.
Public spending: On 18 January Al Rahmah stressed the importance of increasing incomes for ordinary Bahrainis and more efficient spending of public revenues. Therefore, he pointed out the importance of following up the Financial Audit Bureau’s report and punishing those who committed abuses.
National Action Charter: On the 14 February anniversary of the 2001 Constitution Referendum, a joint statement from deputies Jalal Kadhim, Hamad al-Dossary and Ghazi Al Rahmah said that “His Majesty the King’s announcement of comprehensive reforms in Bahrain was the greatest achievement for Bahrain”.
Religious tolerance: Al Rahmah on 21 February praised Bahrain as the “best example in the Gulf for religious tolerance”.
Medical students: Al Rahmah called for greater efforts to accelerate the recruitment of medical and nursing graduates. (4 March)
Health: Al Rahmah questioned the Ministry of Health about numbers of medical staff and the proportion of Bahrainis among them (7 March). On the same day, MP Jalal Kadhim directed a very similar query to the Education Ministry.
Grand Prix: Al Rahmah on 7 March praised the importance of the Formula 1 in Bahrain for promoting Bahrain overseas and supporting its economy.
Effectiveness rating
Standards of living, health & education – 7
Housing & services –6
National security – 4
Good governance & corruption – 6
Economy, finances & employment – 7
Supporting constituents & youth – 7
Rights & freedoms – 7
Constructive Parliament role – 4
Public visibility – 6
Social agenda: Conservative – Reformist – 7
5th Northern – Ali al-Aradi
Deputy Head of Parliament
Head of Government Action Plan Committee (Jan-Feb 2015).
Al-Aradi, by wide consensus, was voted as the deputy head of Parliament, shortly after being elected for the first time as an MP in November 2015, which is an indicator of Al-Aradi’s intelligence and ability to make a positive impression on colleagues.
Action Plan: In January 2015 Al-Aradi was chosen as head of the Committee for discussion the Government Action Plan. Because this was the first time that Parliament had been given responsibility for approving the Action Plan, his was a difficult job, particularly as many MPs were highly critical of the initial draft, which they said lacked clarity.
Al-Aradi coordinated a series of meetings with ministers in which they agreed numerous modifications. Al-Aradi was consistently positive about levels of cooperation between ministers and deputies. However, in the tense discussions, some MPs were critical of Al-Aradi’s repeated requests for extensions to the Committee’s debating period and the manner in which observations on the Plan were communicated to ministers.
In the end, Al-Aradi’s success in getting 37 out of 40 MPs to back his recommendation to approve the Action Plan is evidence of how he came through this complex process with his reputation enhanced.
During the 3 February parliamentary session for voting on the Action Plan Al-Aradi, praised the levels of cooperation between the Cabinet and MPs throughout the process. He said that these levels of coordination between the executive and legislative branches had established a “new constitutional code of practice that creates a framework for engagement and consultation with the Government”.
Planning: Al-Aradi on 20 January said that he rejected the proposal for establishing a governmental institution for planning because it would conflict with the activities of existing ministries and would go against the Constitution.
2014 Parliament: “Regarding what the last Parliament implemented, it didn’t achieve any of the aspirations of citizens. This is because it was 90% concerned with politics and 10% concerned with oversight and legislation… We believe that the current Parliament is bursting with energy. It has a head of Parliament [Ahmed al-Mulla] who is blessed with a consensual personality, is accepted by all and has many positive initiatives. His office is always open on Mondays for consultation with all deputies on all matters with complete transparency”.
In a 23 February interview with Al-Watan, Al-Aradi said that improving public perceptions of the Parliament had to begin with improvements in the performance of deputies. Al-Aradi said that he hoped to see public awareness rise and for citizens in constituencies petition Parliament when they felt that their representatives were failing to accomplish what they had promised.
Ex-Military restrictions: In the 24 February parliamentary vote preventing former army personnel from taking military jobs overseas, Al-Aradi stressed that the proposals were in line with international norms.
Bahraini workers: During the 24 February parliamentary debate concerning the Shura Council’s rejection of proposals to prefer Bahraini workers for jobs, Al-Aradi said that the state had a responsibility to provide jobs for its nationals, particularly in a situation where non-Bahrainis were being recruited at a higher rate.
Foreign workers: During the 3 March parliamentary debate on the so-called “free visa” system”, Al-Aradi said there was no need for statistics to convince people of the scale of the problem, with implications for people trafficking, Bahrainization, and economic, social and security risks. He criticized the Government for “hesitant” handling of the issue.
Transport: Al-Aradi (25 February) has proposed banning trucks from major roads during morning and afternoon rush as a means to reduce congestion.
Culture: Al-Aradi on 2 March proposed dedicating a section of the National Museum to prominent Bahraini personalities.
Effectiveness rating
Standards of living, health & education – 6
Housing & services –6
National security – 5
Good governance & corruption – 7
Economy, finances & employment – 8
Supporting constituents & youth – 4
Rights & freedoms – 6
Constructive Parliament role – 8
Public visibility – 9
Social agenda: Conservative – Reformist – 7
6th Northern – Rua al-Haiki
Member of the Permanent Committee for Services
Member of Government Action Plan Committee (Jan-Feb 2015).
Member of the Rotten Meat Investigation Committee (established Feb 2015)
As one of the small number of female MPs and a new entrant to Parliament, Al-Haiki has quickly established herself as a key figure in the new Parliament with considered views on major issues. She is already proving her value as a highly conscientious deputy who seeks to ensure that her and her colleagues approach their legislative work correctly and effectively.
As a relative newcomer to politics, Al-Haiki seems to have been the subject of strong attacks from her Aali locality, from those boycotting the parliamentary process and local elites who perhaps resent her success in beating establishment candidates in the elections.
Action Plan:Al-Haiki on 12 January and on several later occasions proposed that the parliamentary committee to discuss the Action Plan be made a permanent committee to monitor the follow-up of these proposals.
Al-Haiki abstained from the 1 February Committee vote on the Action Plan, but voted in favour for the 3 February parliamentary vote. She initially said that there was much in the Plan that remained “unclear”.
On 11 February Al-Haiki told the media that there should be a review of the work of the Action Plan Committee, given that its work was a historic first for Bahrain and lessons should be learnt, in order that future proceedings be conducted “more professionally” and so that “there is clear agreement beforehand on a procedure for dealing with the Plan before work begins on evaluating it”. However, she concluded that the Committee had “arrived at the best that could be achieved in the circumstances”.
Living standards: On 28 January Al-Haiki said that she was taking measures to implement her election platform of improving living standards of citizens, and that she had held bilateral meetings with several ministers with this aim.
National Action Charter: On the 14 February anniversary of the 2001 Constitution Referendum, Al-Haiki praised the achievements of this Constitution and said that the continuing reforms and constitutional amendments were the fruits of this achievement.
Foreign workers: Al-Haiki said on 3 March that so far only the symptoms, not the causes of the “free visa” issue had been dealt with; stressing that a new approach was needed to handle this issue.
Women’s rights: Al-Haiki on 4 March praised the King’s new measures for guaranteeing the rights of divorced and widowed women.
Critics: In a 6 March newspaper article Al-Haiki strongly criticized those who had attacked the performance of new MPs, saying “you are not attacking ignorance and corruption, you are blindly and abusively attacking us deputies in an unjust manner. Rushing to issue condemnations and attack MPs one after the other with a string of empty and untrue accusations is no more than a bitter war against this nation.”
Effectiveness rating
Standards of living, health & education – 6
Housing & services –5
National security – 4
Good governance & corruption – 6
Economy, finances & employment – 7
Supporting constituents & youth – 6
Rights & freedoms – 6
Constructive Parliament role – 5
Public visibility – 6
Social agenda: Conservative – Reformist – 7
7th Northern – Shaikh Majid al-Majid
Head of the Permanent Committee for Shari’ah and Legal Matters
Member of Government Action Plan Committee (Jan-Feb 2015).
Member of the Rotten Meat Investigation Committee (established Feb 2015)
Al-Majid, since entering Parliament for the first time in 2014 quickly established himself as a visible and competent MP with a valid point of view on a range of matters. Despite being a Shia cleric, he has so far come across as more of a pragmatic, rather than ideological, representative and appears to work well with both his Sunni and Shia colleagues.
Housing & planning: On 11 January Al-Majid praised the achievements of the Housing Ministry in making rapid progress in addressing the housing file. On 17 February Al-Majid called on the Minister of Works to “urgently implement what had been agreed on” for developing the Dumistan coast.
Islamic Parliament: On 20 January Al-Majid spoke in the parliamentary session of the need to support the Islamic Parliament.
Public funds: On 2 February Al-Majid questioned the Transport Minister about the Tamkeen Fund.
Inflation support: Al-Majid said that his Legal Committee on 25 February discussed the need to ensure the continuation of “counter-inflation” support for low income families.
Employment: Al-Majid said his Legal Committee had discussed the new employment bill which the Shura Council had rejected saying that it was prejudicial against non-Bahrainis. Al-Majid said that his committee continued to support the bill based on the right of all countries to prefer their own citizens for employment.
Foreign workers: During the 3 March parliamentary debate on the so-called “free visa” system”, Al-Majid described the issue as an “evil blot” that required everyone to work together to address.
Corruption: The 17 February parliamentary session saw a standoff between Majid al-Majid, head of the Legal Committee which had worked on measures against officials being investigated on criminal charges; and Ali al-Atish who questioned the manner in which the amendments had been handled and the motivations for introducing these measures.
On 2 March Al-Majid met civil society representatives, including the head of the Bahrain Transparency Society, to discuss Parliament’s proposal for setting up an anti-corruption institution.
Judiciary: Al-Majid praised the “ambition” of the Higher Judicial Council in strengthening the role and independence of the judiciary, during a parliamentary delegation visit to the Council. (2 March)
Health: Al-Majid asked the Health Ministry about its policy of recruiting Bahraini staff. He criticized the fact that there were unemployed Bahraini nursing staff at a time when the Ministry was advertising to recruit staff from abroad. (5 March)
Effectiveness rating
Standards of living, health & education – 6
Housing & services –5
National security – 4
Good governance & corruption – 7
Economy, finances & employment – 6
Supporting constituents & youth – 5
Rights & freedoms – 6
Constructive Parliament role – 7
Public visibility – 6
Social agenda: Conservative – Reformist – 4
8th Northern – Dr. Isa Turki
Member of the Permanent Committee for Shari’ah and Legal Matters
Member of Committee for Supporting the Palestinian People
Turki is one of the four MPs from Hamad Town (8th-11th Northern), a working class area where provision of public services, housing and acceptable standards of living are matters of acute concern.
Turki’s relatively low profile so far makes it difficult to assess whether he is ideologically part of the moderate Sunni loyalist mainstream or part of the Islamist fringe within the Parliament. So far his activity could suggest that he has one foot in each camp.
Action Plan: At the parliamentary session for approving the Plan Turki stressed the responsibility of deputies in monitoring implementation of the Government Action Plan.
Economy: Al-Turki on 23 February praised the Prime Minister’s success in creating “perpetual economic development, enhancing democracy and preserving security and stability”.
Women’s rights: Turki was one of a clique of MPs who advocated an allowance for women who refrained from working. Their controversial and much-criticized proposal asserted that they should “encourage women to remain in the home”.
Turki praised the King’s initiatives for promoting the position of women in society; particularly the recent measures for granting divorcees and widows full housing rights. (5 March)
Ex-Military restrictions: In the 24 February parliamentary vote preventing former army personnel from taking military jobs overseas, Turki said that given the strategic international challenges, Bahraini laws had to take into account developing security considerations.
Youth delinquents: Turki praised proposals by the Interior Minister for amending the legal process for dealing with minors involved in crime. He said that the measures both protected society and helped reform youngsters involved in crime.
Foreign workers: During the 3 March parliamentary debate on the so-called “free visa” system”, said that they had to distinguish between a legitimate need for foreign labour, and improper use of foreign labourers.
Audit report: Turki said that the Financial Audit Bureau’s report was being widely discussed by MPs ahead of a decision on the next steps. He said that there had to be careful preparation for questioning of officials, so that the opposition didn’t exploit this process. Turki said that the FAB report was the “oversight arm” of the Parliament for monitoring the business of government. (4 March)
Effectiveness rating
Standards of living, health & education – 4
Housing & services –4
National security – 4
Good governance & corruption – 5
Economy, finances & employment – 5
Supporting constituents & youth – 6
Rights & freedoms – 4
Constructive Parliament role – 4
Public visibility – 5
Social agenda: Conservative – Reformist – 4
9th Northern – Abdulhamid Abdulhussain al-Najjar
Member of Permanent Committee for Public Utilities and Environment
Deputy Head of Committee for Supporting the Palestinian People
Al-Najjar has spoken out on behalf of people from his Hamad Town constituency, demonstrating a concern for a wide range of local issues.
Sports: Al-Najjar on 13 January proposed establishing a sports centre in his local constituency.
Education: Al-Najjar announced on 16 February that an agreement had been reached with the Ministry of Education for two new schools in Hamad Town as well as an industrial college.
Construction projects: On 13 February Al-Najjar questioned the Minister of Works about projects undertaken for Hamad Town. And again, during the 17 February parliamentary session Al-Najjar gave a detailed assessment of areas in the Hamad Town locality which are a “source of annoyance” to local citizens. He urged urgent action to address these issues.
Health & safety: On 15 February Al-Najjar questioned whether the Ministry of Health was providing enough inspectors to monitor standards in cafes, shops and restaurants around Bahrain.
Foreign workers: During the 3 March parliamentary debate on the so-called “free visa” system”, Al-Najjar called for a monitoring committee to crack down on human trafficking.
Palestine: Najjar on 3 March during a parliamentary delegation to the Palestinian Embassy affirmed Bahrain’s support for the Palestinian cause.
Effectiveness rating
Standards of living, health & education – 6
Housing & services –6
National security – 5
Good governance & corruption – 4
Economy, finances & employment – 4
Supporting constituents & youth – 6
Rights & freedoms – 4
Constructive Parliament role – 5
Public visibility – 5
Social agenda: Conservative – Reformist – 3
10th Northern – Mohammed al-Ammadi (Minbar)
Member of the Permanent Committee for Financial and Economic Matters
Head of Committee for Supporting the Palestinian People
Al-Ammadi is an assertive and outspoken MP who, as one of the few survivors from the previous Parliament – is widely respected. He is the only representative from the pro-Muslim Brotherhood Al-Minbar political society.
On several occasions Al-Ammadi has been more than willing to speak and act against the political establishment on populist issues, such as reducing the privileges of Government officials and parliamentarians.
Planning: Al-Ammadi spoke in Parliament on 20 January about the urgent need for establishing a governmental institution for planning.
Housing: In the 27 January parliamentary session Al-Ammadi requested further information from the Housing Ministry concerning its dealings with requests for housing provision.
Parliamentary privileges: On 26 January, Al-Ammadi spoke out against the Shura Council proposal for increasing retirement privileges for former parliamentarians, saying that such a proposal would “arouse the anger” of citizens, and that ordinary pensioners were more deserving of this assistance.
Action Plan: In the 3 February parliamentary session for voting on the Government Action plan, Al-Ammadi abstained from voting; saying that the Action Plan was “unclear”. Al-Ammadi was one of only three MPs who didn’t vote in favour of the Action Plan. Al-Ammadi said: “The Plan does not include clear initiatives or use statistics to define the current situation. It lacks any realistic proposals that can be measured. We don’t know our current situation vis-à-vis the situation we’re aiming for”.
Bahraini workers: During the 24 February parliamentary debate concerning the Shura Council’s rejection of proposals to prefer Bahraini workers for jobs, Al-Ammadi expressed his “astonishment” at the Shura Council’s decision, saying that all states were entitled to give preferential employment terms to their nationals.
Street vendors: During the 3 March debate on modifications to the public health law, said that street vendors should be banned altogether.
Effectiveness rating
Standards of living, health & education – 5
Housing & services –6
National security – 5
Good governance & corruption – 6
Economy, finances & employment – 6
Supporting constituents & youth – 5
Rights & freedoms – 4
Constructive Parliament role – 6
Public visibility – 6
Social agenda: Conservative – Reformist – 2
11th Northern – Jamal Dawoud
Head of Permanent Committee for Public Utilities and Environment
Member of the Rotten Meat Investigation Committee (established Feb 2015)
Dawoud won his seat outright with 62% of the vote in 2014. He has tended to be associated with the Islamist fringe in Parliament. Dawoud had emerged as a confident parliamentary speaker and an active committee member.
Action Plan:Dawoud on 13 January requested that the Government Action Plan include “realistic visions for accomplishing the aspirations of citizens”.
Women’s rights: Dawoud was one of a clique of MPs who advocated an allowance for women who refrained from working. Their controversial and much-criticized proposal asserted that they should “encourage women to remain in the home”.
Housing: Dawoud on 8 February said that his Committee had discussed the proposal for a 100 dinar allowance for those requiring housing assistance, with retroactive effect.
On 2 March Dawoud said that his Committee had met with infrastructure officials to discuss delayed projects. The Committee also discussed proposals from the Housing Ministry for housing support payments. The Committee approved the proposals which are to be put for a parliamentary vote.
Youth: Dawoud proposed a track for young people to develop their driving skills (12 February).
King’s speech response: Dawoud stressed that “putting right the security situation is a national obligation for reviving the economy”. (17 February)
Public Utilities: On 15 February Jamal Dawoud chaired his committee’s meeting to discuss projects for drinking water provision.
Budget: Dawoud said that a future strategy had to be put in place for reducing State Budget dependence on oil revenues. (16 February)
Food safety: Dawoud said on 2 March that the Rotten Meat Committee had discussed evidence from the Financial Audit Bureau indicating “negligence” in the import of meat.
Street vendors: During the 3 March debate on modifications to the public health law, Dawoud said that the Ministry of Health should be responsible for food sold on the street and that this should be properly scrutinized.
Foreign workers: During the 3 March parliamentary debate on the so-called “free visa” system”, Dawoud noted how many foreign workers had begun selling goods in the streets. He thanked the Interior Ministry for addressing many such instances, but said that there was a “legal vacuum” on this issue.
Bonuses: During the 3 March parliamentary session, Dawoud stridently criticized the Finance Minister over the payment of over 3.4m BD bonuses to Pension Fund Authority employees. Dawoud said that this was a “waste” at a time when the department was reporting a budget shortfall. The Minister responded that these payments were the “right” and could not be halted.
Effectiveness rating
Standards of living, health & education – 5
Housing & services –7
National security – 5
Good governance & corruption – 6
Economy, finances & employment – 6
Supporting constituents & youth – 6
Rights & freedoms – 4
Constructive Parliament role – 7
Public visibility – 6
Social agenda: Conservative – Reformist – 4
12th Northern – Jamila al-Sammak
Head of the Committee for Women and Children
Member of the Permanent Committee for Services
Member of Government Action Plan Committee (Jan-Feb 2015).
Through her various committee roles, Al-Sammak is establishing herself as an articulate and confident deputy in a male-dominated chamber. As head of the Women and Children Committee Al-Sammak has helped give prominence to a number of family-related issues.
Women & family: On 17 January Al-Sammak spoke about the importance of prioritizing the draft law for addressing domestic violence.
On the occasion of the national day for women, Al-Sammak on 1 February stressed that “Bahraini women are essential partners in preparing and implementing comprehensive plans and programmes for development in the Kingdom of Bahrain.”
On 8 February Al-Sammak confirmed that her Committee would recommend the approval of the Shura Council’s draft law for the protection of the family from violence. On 16 February, the Committee continued to discuss these measures.
During a 24 February event in honour of the National Action Charter, Al-Sammak stressed the efforts of her parliamentary committee to support King Hamad’s reform process and empower women.
Public infrastructure: Al-Sammak on 21 January addressed the Ministry of Works on behalf of local constituents in Sadad concerning the lack of action for improving local paved roads and lighting.
Action Plan: On 3 February Al-Sammak stressed that her own role within the Action Plan Committee had sought to make the Plan “responsive to the aspirations of citizens”. She noted the substantial number of modifications made to the Plan as a result of interventions by parliamentarians, saying that the achievements on Parliament in influencing this file must be upheld in the future.
King’s speech: Al-Sammak stressed the need to highlight the housing issue in the response to the King’s Speech and the right of citizens to “obtain suitable and satisfactory accommodation”.
Bahraini workers: During the 24 February parliamentary debate concerning the Shura Council’s rejection of proposals to prefer Bahraini workers for jobs, Al-Sammak complained that “businessmen only thought of making profits, depending on cheap labour”.
Women’s rights: Al-Sammak praised the King’s initiative for strengthening the property rights of widows and divorcees, saying that this measure guaranteed the rights of all to decent standards of living. (6 March)
Effectiveness rating
Standards of living, health & education – 5
Housing & services –6
National security – 4
Good governance & corruption – 3
Economy, finances & employment – 4
Supporting constituents & youth – 6
Rights & freedoms – 8
Constructive Parliament role – 6
Public visibility – 6
Social agenda: Conservative – Reformist – 7
Southern Governorate
1st Southern – Khalid al-Shaer
Head of Parliamentary Human Rights Committee
Member of the Permanent Committee for Financial and Economic Matters
Member of Government Action Plan Committee (Jan-Feb 2015).
Young representative Al-Shaer is a popular personality. Since his election in 2014 he has shown a close affiliation with the human rights file. During parliamentary sessions Al-Shaer has not been one of the more visible figures.
Human rights: On 11 January Al-Shaer spoke positively about the human rights record of Bahrain’s Interior Ministry, saying that it had made a lot of progress in bringing its activities in line with human rights norms.
On 19 January Al-Shaer said that further measures needed to be taken to guarantee the independence of the National Institution for Human Rights.
During a 24 February Human Rights Committee meeting, Al-Shaer stressed the efforts being made by the state to introduce human rights reforms.
National Action Charter: Ahead of the 14 February anniversary of the National Action Charter, Al-Shaer stated that the 2002 Constitution is not a memory, but rather the “reality which Bahrainis are now living”.
Terrorism: Al-Shaer in mid-February chaired a parliamentary delegation to Geneva for a counter-terrorism conference. Anas Buhindi and Hamad al-Dossary also participated.
Effectiveness rating
Standards of living, health & education – 4
Housing & services –3
National security – 5
Good governance & corruption – 3
Economy, finances & employment – 4
Supporting constituents & youth – 5
Rights & freedoms – 8
Constructive Parliament role – 4
Public visibility – 4
Social agenda: Conservative – Reformist – 7
2nd Southern – Mohammed al-Ahmed
Member of the Permanent Committee for Financial and Economic Matters
Member of Government Action Plan Committee (Jan-Feb 2015).
Al-Ahmed is quickly establishing himself as something of a trouble-maker in Parliament. He frequently raises points of order that have nothing to do with the agenda and on at least one occasion was at the centre of a walkout. A subsequent statement accusing the head of Parliament of deals behind the scenes earned Al-Ahmed some sharp rebukes from other MPs.
However, during the 2014 elections campaign Al-Ahmed was one of the most systematic candidates in setting out his elections platform, using the social media and waging an effective campaign. His more-constructive parliamentary interventions often quote data and statistics to inform the debate.
Action Plan: Al-Ahmed on 20 January caused controversy during a tense parliamentary session on the Government Action Plan, where he called Government performance to be “obscene”, spurring the head of Parliament to unsuccessfully suggest that Al-Ahmed’s comments be struck from the official minutes.
Tourism: Al-Ahmed criticized the Government on the 20 January parliamentary session for failing to respond to his query about how an institution for tourism would be established after the closure of the Ministry of Tourism. The Head of Parliament responded that his query was an intrusion and hadn’t been raised at the appropriate time.
Walkout: During the 10 February parliamentary proceedings, Al-Ahmed once again disrupted events by insisting on discussing a matter not on the agenda (media allegations of corruption in the Parliament’s General Secretariat). After the head of Parliament turned off his microphone, Al-Ahmed started shouting and he and several other deputies (including Abdulhalim Murad, Nabil al-Balooshi, Dhiyab al-Noaimi, Anas Buhindi and Ahmed al-Qarratah) staged a walkout.
In a later statement Mohammed al-Ahmed blamed Head of Parliament Ahmed al-Mulla for leaking false allegations to the media and saying that he would soon be providing evidence of “unjust” deals being done behind the scenes to “force changes of the Secretariat General”.
Affiliation: At different times in his past, journalist Al-Ahmed has appeared to adopt varying ideological positions; at times pro-opposition, at times liberal and progressive, and at times of an Islamist flavour. It is unclear whether through the walkout and other antics Al-Ahmed consciously sought to align himself with other Islamists and perhaps identify himself with an Islamist or Asalah bloc (as MPs who criticized him seem to believe); or whether he will remain as a somewhat isolated maverick.
Health fees: Al-Ahmed (17 February) said that the Government Action Plan had pledged not to impose any additional financial obligations on Bahrainis. Therefore, he claimed that the new fees “violated the Government Action Plan which the Government had pledged to follow to the letter”.
Bahraini workers: During the 24 February parliamentary debate concerning the Shura Council’s rejection of proposals to prefer Bahraini workers for jobs, Al-Ahmed quoted statistics showing that only 9% of those recruited for jobs during 2014 were Bahraini nationals.
Financial Audit Bureau: Al-Ahmed said that the audit report showed that 400m BD of public funds had been wasted. Al-Ahmed said that the same violations were continuing to repeat themselves that had appeared in previous reports. Funds were being wasted that could be used to improve standards of living.
Effectiveness rating
Standards of living, health & education – 4
Housing & services –4
National security – 5
Good governance & corruption – 7
Economy, finances & employment – 6
Supporting constituents & youth – 4
Rights & freedoms – 4
Constructive Parliament role – 2
Public visibility – 4
Social agenda: Conservative – Reformist – 3
3rd Southern – Abdulhalim Murad (Asalah)
Second Deputy Head of Parliament
Murad, as a long-standing MP who won his seat in 2014 with an overwhelming majority is a heavy-weight and respected political figure. However, as a member of Asalah, he has a record of supporting an Islamist agenda. The 10 February parliamentary walkout by Murad and a few other Islamist MPs (over allegations against an official in the General Secretariat who was also a member of Asalah) may indicate emerging tensions between Murad and the Head of Parliament, Ahmed al-Mulla.
Action Plan:Murad’s views on the Government Action Plan were widely reported by the media and he spoke positively about levels of Government cooperation in reaching consensus on the Plan. However, he said on 14 January that more detail was needed from ministers about specific proposals. Murad said: “The Plan in its current form is terrific, if it gets implemented. But where are the details of the projects and time limits for implementation?”
Walkout: On 10 February Murad incited a walkout after the head of Parliament refused to discuss media allegations of corruption in the Parliament’s Secretariat General. During the session, Second-Deputy Murad demanded to speak, but the Head of the Parliament refused to allow him to discuss the matter, prompting Murad to stage a walkout.
The event seems to suggest a serious breakdown in the relationship between these two senior figures. That evening Murad published a picture on his social media account of him and other MPs (Ali al-Muqla, Ali Bufursan, Mohammed al-Ahmed, Dhiyab al-Noaimi) meeting the previous head of the Parliament, Khalifa al-Dhahrani.
Al-Asalah subsequently condemned the sacking of deputy head of the Parliament General Secretariat, Mohammed al-Gharib, himself an Asalah member, on accusations of corruption.
Health fees: Murad (17 February) criticized the Health Minister for imposing fees which “failed to distinguish between Bahraini and non-Bahraini”.
Street sellers: During the 3 March debate on modifications to the public health law, Murad called for the issue of street salesmen to be separated out and dealt with separately.
Housing: Al-Murad on 23 February submitted a formal question to the Housing Ministry about whether housing loans were in agreement with Islamic principles.
Al-Wefaq: On 11 January Murad spoke out strongly in support of judicial measures against Al-Wefaq’s Ali Salman, saying that Salman’s “violations couldn’t go ignored”.
Exclusion: On 1 February Murad requested action to prevent the entry of Adnan Ibrahim into Bahrain, saying that those who “offended” Muslims and insulted those close to the Prophet shouldn’t be tolerated.
Ex-Military restrictions: In the 24 February parliamentary vote preventing former army personnel from taking military jobs overseas, Murad stated that he could see both sides of the arguments on this issue, but noted the importance of the measures for enhancing national security.
Bachelor housing: Murad stressed the need take action to separate the housing of expat bachelors from Bahraini families. He said that this had become the “most important issue on the Bahraini street”.
Foreign workers: During the 3 March parliamentary debate on the so-called “free visa” system”, Murad said that there needed to be stiff deterrents to prevent those engaging in people trafficking.
Quran: Regarding a video that went viral of a student singing verses from the Quran at a talent contest (5 March), Murad made the following comments: “Everyone responsible for this hideous act should be punished. It is a clear mockery of the Holy book”.
Education: Murad on 5 March met the Education Ministry. They reportedly discussed provision of educational services in Murad’s constituency.
Effectiveness rating
Standards of living, health & education – 5
Housing & services –4
National security – 6
Good governance & corruption – 3
Economy, finances & employment – 4
Supporting constituents & youth – 4
Rights & freedoms – 2
Constructive Parliament role – 4
Public visibility – 6
Social agenda: Conservative – Reformist – 2
4th Southern – Mohammed al-Maarifi
Deputy Head of the Permanent Committee for Services
Member of Parliamentary Human Rights Committee
Member of Government Action Plan Committee (Jan-Feb 2015).
Businessman Al-Maarifi won a confident elections campaign in 2014 and has continued to show himself to be an assertive parliamentary player.
Action Plan:Al-Maarifi requested to be added to the Government Action Plan Committee (19 January). His request was accepted. On 31 January, Al-Maarifi spoke positively of the results of the meetings between ministers and MPs concerning the Government Action Plan for addressing the aspirations of citizens.
Health fees: Al-Maarifi on 21 January said that all “friendly methods” had been exhausted for holding the Minister of Health to account on the issue of increased fees for non-Bahraini workers. Al-Maarifi questioned which constitutional principles the minister had based his “unilateral” decision on.
Parliamentary benefits: On 25 January Al-Maarifi spoke out against the Shura Council proposal for increasing retirement privileges for representatives and Shura Councilors, saying such a proposal was rejected because it went against the constitutional principle of equality between citizens as well as being out of step with increasing constraints on the budget.
Effectiveness rating
Standards of living, health & education – 4
Housing & services –4
National security – 5
Good governance & corruption – 5
Economy, finances & employment – 6
Supporting constituents & youth – 4
Rights & freedoms – 4
Constructive Parliament role – 4
Public visibility – 4
Social agenda: Conservative – Reformist – 4
5th Southern – Khalifa al-Ghanim
Member of the Permanent Committee for Shari’ah and Legal Matters
Member of the Rotten Meat Investigation Committee (established Feb 2015)
Member of the Committee for Women and Children
Along with several other MPs from the Southern constituencies, Al-Ghanim is a staunchly loyalist figure, basing his legitimacy on grassroots local popularity, and hesitant to speak out on controversial issues. However, along with the majority of other MPs, he has been outspoken in criticizing the Health Ministry’s new fees for non-Bahraini workers.
Services: On 12 January, Al-Ghanim spoke out about the need for improving roads and health services.
Health fees: Al-Ghanim (17 February) criticized the Ministry of Health’s fees imposed on non-Bahraini workers saying “the Ministry knows that this decision will increase hardship on Bahraini workers, especially owners of small businesses”. Al-Ghanim claimed that because the responsibility fell on Bahraini businessmen, the fees were a violation of the constitution which promised free healthcare for Bahrainis.
Foreign workers: During the 3 March parliamentary debate on the so-called “free visa” system”, blamed small businesses for relying on cheap foreign labour.
Effectiveness rating
Standards of living, health & education – 5
Housing & services –4
National security – 4
Good governance & corruption – 3
Economy, finances & employment – 5
Supporting constituents & youth – 4
Rights & freedoms – 3
Constructive Parliament role – 3
Public visibility – 2
Social agenda: Conservative – Reformist – 5
6th Southern – Anas Buhindi
Deputy Head of the Permanent Committee for Shari’ah and Legal Matters
Sunni cleric Buhindi has affiliated himself with other Sunni Islamist MPs, but has also been active in addressing issues close to the hearts of local constituents, like the housing file.
Housing: On 19 January, Buhindi met the Housing Minister to discuss cooperation with parliamentarians for accelerating housing projects.
Walkout: On 10 February Buhindi participated in a walkout after the head of Parliament refused to discuss media allegations of corruption in the Parliament’s Secretariat General.
Ex-Military restrictions: In the 24 February parliamentary vote preventing former army personnel from taking military jobs overseas, Buhindi voiced concerns about how the measures may limit freedoms and whether the punishments were too stringent. However he voted in favour.
Foreign workers: During the 3 March parliamentary debate on the so-called “free visa” system”, Buhindi said that this problem had resulted in many women being subject to sexual assault.
Effectiveness rating
Standards of living, health & education – 4
Housing & services –5
National security – 5
Good governance & corruption – 4
Economy, finances & employment – 4
Supporting constituents & youth – 4
Rights & freedoms – 3
Constructive Parliament role – 4
Public visibility – 4
Social agenda: Conservative – Reformist – 3
7th Southern – Abdullah Bin-Huwail
Head of the Permanent Committee for Foreign, Defence and National Security Affairs
Bin-Huwail was an MP in the previous Parliament and his strong performance in the 2014 elections proves his local popularity. Within Parliament Bin-Huwail, is a loyalist and consensual MP. He was head of the “Independents’ Bloc” in the previous Parliament.
Bin-Huwail is not given to speaking out and when he does go on record – for example; in the context of his Defence Committee role – his comments usually favour the authorities and the security forces.
Defence: Bin-Huwail on 18 February welcomed comments by King Hamad praising the role of Bahrain’s Defence Forces. Bin-Huwail praised the role of the Interior Ministry and the security forces in guaranteeing security and stability, while “exerting maximum levels of restraint”.
Ex-Military restrictions: In the 24 February parliamentary vote preventing former army personnel from taking military jobs overseas, Bin-Huwail observed that his Defence Committee had studied the proposals in detail in meetings with Defence Ministry officials.
Housing: During the 24 February parliamentary session Bin-Huwail requested from the Housing Minister a “clear timetable for housing projects in the Southern Governorate and the phases of implementation”. However, he praised the efforts of the Housing Ministry to address the crisis in housing provision.
Effectiveness rating
Standards of living, health & education – 4
Housing & services –5
National security – 7
Good governance & corruption – 4
Economy, finances & employment – 4
Supporting constituents & youth – 3
Rights & freedoms – 3
Constructive Parliament role – 3
Public visibility – 2
Social agenda: Conservative – Reformist – 5
8th Southern – Dhiyab al-Noaimi
Member of the Permanent Committee for Foreign, Defence and National Security Affairs
Al-Noaimi won his seat against long-standing Islamist MP Jassim al-Saeedi, campaigning on a platform of shaking up parliamentary business. True to form, his parliamentary interventions have sometimes been confrontational, including participating in a walkout and abstaining on the Government Action Plan vote. However, aside from these incidents, Al-Noaimi tends to be one of the less-visible figures during parliamentary debates.
Action Plan: In the 3 February parliamentary session for voting on the Government Action plan, Al-Noaimi abstained from voting; saying that the proposed amendments made by the Action Plan Committee “failed to meet expectations”. Al-Noaimi was one of only three MPs who didn’t vote in favour of the Action Plan.
Walkout: On 10 February Al-Noaimi participated in a walkout after the head of Parliament refused to discuss media allegations of corruption in the Parliament’s Secretariat General.
National Action Charter: On the 14 February anniversary of the 2001 Constitution Referendum, Al-Noaimi issued a statement saying that the Charter “established strong foundations and principles for a democratic state established on justice and equality”.
Housing: Al-Noaimi on 21 February issued a statement saying that the Housing Ministry was fulfilling its pledges and that proposed housing projects were on schedule.
Defence: Al-Noaimi on 3 March praised the visit of the Defence Forces Supreme Commander to Parliament, saying that Parliament’s recent approval of the bill concerning judicial defence issues was based on “our emphasis on preserving security and stability”.
Effectiveness rating
Standards of living, health & education – 4
Housing & services –5
National security – 6
Good governance & corruption – 6
Economy, finances & employment – 4
Supporting constituents & youth – 5
Rights & freedoms – 5
Constructive Parliament role – 4
Public visibility – 3
Social agenda: Conservative – Reformist – 6
9th Southern – Mohsin al-Bakri
Member of Permanent Committee for Public Utilities and Environment
Member of Government Action Plan Committee (Jan-Feb 2015).
Member of Committee for Supporting the Palestinian People
Al-Bakri served as a municipal councilor for two terms and therefor enters Parliament with a strong record of public service. He won his seat in the second round, coming comfortably ahead of his rival. His parliamentary activity tends to indicate Al-Bakri’s loyalist credentials. However, he was one of the few MPs who abstained from supporting the Government Action Plan, criticizing the Cabinet’s responses to MPs’ suggestions for modifications as “weak”.
Action Plan: In the 3 February parliamentary session for voting on the Government Action plan, Al-Bakri abstained from voting; saying that he was the only Action Plan Committee member who had opposed the final draft, claiming that the agreements reached with ministers were “weak”. Al-Bakri was one of only three MPs who didn’t vote in favour of the Action Plan.
Health fees: Al-Bakri (17 February) said that the new fees would “deter foreign investors was well as Bahrainis who would look for somewhere better to invest their wealth”.
King’s speech response: “Deputies should support [the King’s] reform process through cooperation with the executive branch. We hope to see rapid steps towards a Gulf Union”. (17 February)
Housing: During the 24 February parliamentary session Al-Bakri praised the Housing Ministry’s efforts to address the housing issue, but criticized the length of time it had taken for housing requests from Southern constituencies to be addressed.
Foreign workers: During the 3 March parliamentary debate on the so-called “free visa” system”, Al-Bakri called for tough punishments and efforts to “fill the legal void”.
Effectiveness rating
Standards of living, health & education – 4
Housing & services –5
National security – 5
Good governance & corruption – 4
Economy, finances & employment – 6
Supporting constituents & youth – 5
Rights & freedoms – 3
Constructive Parliament role – 4
Public visibility – 3
Social agenda: Conservative – Reformist – 5
10th Southern – Ahmed al-Mulla
Head of Parliament
As the head of Parliament from November 2014, Al-Mullah has become one of the most visible faces in the Bahraini media, leading parliamentary sessions, engaging with Bahrain’s leadership and meeting foreign dignitaries. Following the 10 February walkout by a handful of Islamist MPs, many deputies spoke out strongly in defence of Al-Mulla, demonstrating that he is a widely regarded figure who enjoys the respect of most of his colleagues.
Action Plan: “This is the first Chamber of Deputies to engage with the Government’s programme following the 2012 constitutional amendments and the results of the agreements made in the National Dialogue. This has given the Chamber of Deputies wide powers, implementing the aspirations of our wise leadership and the nation.”
“We are faced with an important national challenge and a new experience that we are working to accomplish, in order to implement parliamentary principles governed by the constitution for the benefit of the common good.” (16 January Al-Watan interview)
Budget: “Deputies will engage with the Budget in the context of the current situation in order to achieve the desires of citizens. We will aim for a moderate and realistic deal from parliamentarians.” (16 January)
Audit: “Deputies’ handling of the Financial Audit Bureau report in the current legislative period will be completely different from in the past… The role of deputies is to ensure accountability and oversight in a determined and strict manner when debating this and preparing the report. All parliamentary tools at our disposal will be used if violations and offenses are discovered, in order to protect public funds.” (16 January)
Underperforming MPs: “We are dissatisfied with what went on previously. We are working to develop parliamentary performance in all areas… We are confident that deputies have responsibility and integrity in going about their duties. However, I will not compromise at all in implementing the recommendations against whoever is negligent or whoever delays work of committees and projects. We may even publically publish the names of absent deputies.” (16 January)
Al-Mulla has condemned MPs who fail to regularly attend parliamentary sessions. He stated: “MPs are here to serve the people and it is their responsibility to show up if they are concerned about the welfare of those who have elected them,” Al-Mulla said, warning that there would be pay deductions for those who failed to attend without valid excuses. (17 February)
Fishing: On 2 March Al-Mulla pledged that Parliament would do its utmost to support the local fishing industry, along with other traditional Bahraini professions and skills.
Quran: Regarding a video that went viral of a student singing verses from the Quran at a talent contest (5 March), Al-Mulla made the following comments: “Quranic verses and Islamic basics shouldn’t be harmed on the pretext of creativity or freedom of expression. All responsible parties should be held accountable.”
Effectiveness rating
Standards of living, health & education – 4
Housing & services –4
National security – 6
Good governance & corruption – 7
Economy, finances & employment – 6
Supporting constituents & youth – 4
Rights & freedoms – 4
Constructive Parliament role – 8
Public visibility – 9
Social agenda: Conservative – Reformist – 5
Effectiveness rating
These ratings are based on an analysis of comments and actions from each MP over the monitored period. These ratings will continue to be adjusted in future editions based on MPs ongoing performance. It should be stressed that so far these are interim scorings based on the limited evidence accumulated to date.
The scorings are based on the following parameters:
Attention given to standards of living, health & education (prices, wages, low income families, health investment, health & safety, food standards)
Attention given to housing & services (infrastructure, fairness of housing provision, local infrastructure & facilities)
Attention given to national security (policing, defence, geopolitical security)
Attention given to good governance & corruption
Attention given to the economy, employment & government revenue (regulation, job creation, public infrastructure)
Attention given to local constituents & youth (raising & defending local issues, getting results, commitments to sports & youth-related issues.)
Attention given to rights & freedoms (women’s rights, freedom of expression, religious freedoms & human rights)
Constructive role within Parliament (proposing & following up legislation, active on committees, works well with others, good relationship with ministers & officials)
Public visibility (interventions in Parliament, coverage in media, public statements)
Social agenda: Conservative/Islamic – Progressive/reformist: This is a reflection of the ideological inclinations of MPs. Those who have demonstrated a clear conservative and Islamic agenda are scored towards one; those who have demonstrated a progressive and liberal inclination and who have emphasized reform are scored towards ten.