Al-Aradi: “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”
Al-Aradi: “I don’t feel that there is cooperation and seriousness in the Government’s dealings with Parliament, especially regarding private bills. The responses appear to have been written with great care so as to create the impression that we have been offered nothing”
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 2014, which is an indicator of Al-Aradi’s intelligence and ability to make a positive impression on colleagues.
Throughout January 2015 Al-Aradi headed the Committee studying the 2015-2018 Government Action Plan, which made him a pivotal figure from early on in the Parliament.
On a daily basis Al-Aradi is featured in national newspapers, convening meetings with Bahrain’s leaders, meeting foreign delegation and expressing his views on major political issues.
Al-Aradi tends to be a voice of reason and consensus in the Parliament. He has tended to take the position of the Government on finance and policy issues. Al-Aradi voted in favour of the State Budget during the 2 July 2015 parliamentary session.
As a young and rapidly-emerging moderate Shia politician, it is unsurprising that Al-Aradi has attracted criticism and in some quarters there appears to be a degree of resentment at the powerful Deputy Chairman position Al-Aradi holds. Comments made by Al-Aradi in his personal capacity in an interview following his holiday in summer 2015, drew a very sharp response from some members of the committees investigating the subsidies issue. The Salafist society Al-Asalah also virulently attacked attributed to Al-Aradi related to reconciliation issues shortly before the summer break.
ACTIVITY DURING 2015-2016 PARLIAMENT SEASON
Housing, services & infrastructure
Transport: MPs Mohammed al-Ammadi, Isa Turki, Abdulhamid al-Najjar, Majid al-Majid and Ali al-Aradi have proposed widening the Wali al-Ahad and Hamala roads to ease congestion. Al-Wasat reported on 23 Oct that this proposal was to be discussed in the coming parliamentary session. On 27 Oct, MPs approved this proposal.
Housing: On 2 Nov Al-Aradi tabled a question to the Housing Ministry regarding outstanding housing requests in his own constituency.
Economy & employment
Employment: Al-Aradi on 8 Oct met the Labour Minister, and they discussed providing services to Bahrainis and improving wages & standards of living.
Fishing: Al-Aradi on 17 Oct was among the MPs warning of the consequences of unregulated fishing in Bahraini waters. He was a co-sponsor of proposed new measures for controlling fishing.
Good governance & public finance
Subsidies: During the 27 Oct open parliamentary debate on subsidy reform, Al-Aradi said that the Govt was at a crossroads between cooperation or unilateralism. Al Aradi said: “It’s unfair to leave us in the frontlines with the people of Bahrain and throw such an important file on our backs, without having any say in the implantation of the decision in the first place.”
Policing & regional security
Iran: On 29 July Al-Aradi called for solidarity in opposing Iranian interference in Bahrain’s affairs. He added: “All the attempts to undermine security and civil peace; the tactics of violence and fear and terrifying civilians and residents have not succeeded and have only made the Bahraini nation more determined and unified.”
Saudi Arabia: Al-Aradi on 12 July conveyed his condolences on the passing of former Saudi Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal, who he said had spent 40 years serving the interests of the region.
Yemen: Al-Aradi on 4 Sep extended his condolences over the deaths of 5 Bahraini soldiers and other GCC troops in Yemen. He praised the sacrifices of Bahraini troops.
Terrorism: Al-Aradi on 29 Aug strongly condemned the Al-Karranah bombing which killed one policeman. He said that terrorism could not stop Bahrain’s progress. Al-Aradi on 2 Sep observed that Bahrain had become more determined to wage a fight against terrorism in cooperation with GCC partners.
Rights & freedoms
Youth, culture & sport
Scholarships: Al-Aradi on 19 July praised the scholarship programme, following recent criticism by pro-opposition figures.
Achievements: MPs Ali al-Aradi, Ahmed Qaratah, Khalifa al-Ghanim, Abdulrahman Bumjaid and Adel al-Asoumi have submitted a proposal for displays in the Governorate buildings highlighting the achievements of successful local figures. Al-Wasat reported on 23 Oct that this proposal was to be discussed in the coming parliamentary session. During the 27 Oct parliamentary session MPs Al-Aradi and Al-Asoumi demanded the withdrawal of the proposal, saying that they disagreed with amendments which altered the nature of the initiative.
Parliament role & constituent engagement
Parliament: On 8 Aug Al-Aradi conducted an interview with Al-Ayam newspaper. He said that the Financial Audit Bureau report was not one of Parliament’s responsibilities and therefore Parliament shouldn’t be blamed for the violations cited within. He described the work of the 2014 Parliament so far as “professional” and stressed the compatibility between the Budget and the Govt Action Plan, which he said was incumbent on the executive branch to implement over the coming period. Al-Aradi said that MPs would need to act to control prices following subsidy reforms, stating that subsidy reform should be addressed as a single package. He said that 40% of the Budget went on Govt support and that much of this benefitted foreigners, not Bahrainis. He cited the example of healthcare available to non-Bahrainis. He said that his recent dispute with Al-Asalah had been addressed and stressed his close relationship with Second-Deputy Abdulhalim Murad (Al-Asalah).
Following Al–Aradi’s interview, on 10 Aug, sources from the committees debating subsidy reform challenged some of Al-Aradi’s comments regarding measures to control prices, saying that Al-Aradi had not attended recent meetings and he had been out of the country on vacation. His comments were described in a statement from the Subsidies Committee on 12 Aug as “media hot air” and an attempt to “piggyback” on the Committee’s work. Al-Aradi responded angrily, saying that his comments had reflected his own views as an MP and not those of the Committee. He expressed his indignation at the statement’s language which he said resembled a personal attack and contained errors and required a “parliamentary review”.
The Joint Subsidies Committee went further on 12 Aug calling for measures to be taken against Al-Aradi and ordering him to apologize. It stated its readiness to take legal measures to stop “obstructive interference” in its work, accusing Al-Aradi of overstepping his authority.
Social media: Regarding the cases of social media incitement against certain MPs which had been referred to the Public Prosecutor; Al-Aradi on 13 July said that he did not oppose freedom of expression and the public had a right to criticize Parliament’s performance. However, it was unacceptable to “throw abuse and incite violence against specific individuals”.
Affiliation: According to several media sources on 13 October, around 13 MPs are moving to form a parliamentary bloc. These are Jalal al-Mahfoudh, Ghazi Al Rahmah, Nasir al-Qaseer, Abbas al-Madhi, Khalid al-Shaer, Adel Bin-Hamid, Majid al-Majid, Majid al-Asfour, Isa al-Kooheji, Jamila al-Sammak, Fatima al-Asfour and Ali al-Aradi, with Hamad al-Dossary indicated as being the head of the bloc, with “unanimous” agreement.
Delegation: Al-Aradi from 17-22 Oct is participating in the International Parliament event in Geneva. Al-Aradi on 21 Oct told the media that the Parliament delegation’s participation at the events in Geneva went a long way to raising international awareness of the real situation in Bahrain.
Private bills: During the 3 Nov parliamentary session, MPs reacted angrily to the Govt’s rejection of a number of private bills put forward by MPs. Al-Aradi noted the anger of MPs towards the Govt’s responses and asked how greater levels of cooperation could be achieved. He added: “I don’t feel that there is cooperation and seriousness in the Government’s dealings with Parliament, especially regarding private bills. The responses appear to have been written with great care so as to create the impression that we have been offered nothing”.
ACTIVITY DURING 2014-2015 PARLIAMENT SEASON
Housing, services & infrastructure
Transport: Al-Aradi (25 February) has proposed banning trucks from major roads during morning and afternoon rush as a means to reduce congestion.
Parking & pavements: Al-Aradi on 4 May formally proposed areas allotted as parking spaces in Shakhura. He noted how crowded this village was. On 5 May Al-Aradi proposed paved areas for the villages along the Budaya road (Shakhura, Qadam, Hajar…), to include areas where young people could safely play sports. His proposal was co-sponsored by Hamad al-Dossary, Jalal al-Mahfoudh, Abdulhamid al-Najjar and Abdulrahman Bumajid.
Infrastructure: Al-Aradi on 11 March directed a question to the Minister of Works about implementation of its strategic plans since 2008.
Coastlines: Al-Aradi on 7 April warned of the proposal to make 50% of island coastline into public areas, suggesting that this could violate constitutional tenets about private property.
Public space: On 8 May, Al-Aradi submitted a private bill proposing the establishment of a public garden in his constituency. Co-sponsors were Jalal al-Mahfoudh, Hamad al-Dossary, Abdulhamid al-Najjar and Abdulrahman Bumajid.
Standards of living, health & education
Health: Al-Aradi on 4 May tabled a question for the Health Minister about new medicines introduced for addressing psychiatric issues.
Benefits: Al-Aradi during the 12 May parliamentary session told the Finance Minister that it was “illogical for there to be equality between low income families and those with great wealth” when it came to social welfare payments. He said that there should be greater consideration in how huge levels of welfare payments were distributed.
Education: During the 12 May parliamentary session around 15 proposals previously submitted by MPs were approved in a series of votes. These included a secondary girls’ school serving villages along the Budaya road in Al-Aradi’s constituency.
Scholarships: Al-Aradi on 14 May submitted a question to the Education Minister regarding the qualification process for education scholarships.
Meat subsidies: During the 26 May parliamentary discussion, a majority of MPs spoke out against the Govt’s plan for halting meat subsidies. Al-Aradi said: “Where is the principle of consultation with the legislative branch? I support the redistribution of subsidies, but in accordance with the welfare of citizens.”
Economy & employment
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.
Public sector employees: During the 19 May parliamentary session a proposed bill for making the public sector fully Bahraini within five years had to be withdrawn for further discussion after many objections from MPs. Al-Aradi supported the proposal, noting that it wasn’t particularly expensive (33m BD over 5 years). He added that it was an ambitious plan but that the proposal set out a road map for achieving it.
Unregistered 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.
Pearl monitoring: During a stormy 10 March parliamentary debate over a bill for privatizing monitoring the quality of pearls and precious stones, Al-Aradi agreed with Isa al-Kooheji’s view that privatizing this work did not necessarily mean passing the role to foreigners. He criticized opponents of the bill for trying to claim that it was anti-Bahraini.
Foreign teachers: Al-Aradi was one of six MPs on 16 March who proposed an open parliamentary debate about the Government’s policy on recruiting foreign teachers.
Economic & financial disputes: During the 17 parliamentary session to discuss the amended practices for the Bahrain Chamber for Dispute Resolution, Al-Aradi noted that he had worked in this Chamber and the amendments were appropriate in allowing for accelerated and smooth resolution of disputes.
Fisheries: During the 19 May parliamentary debate on the fishing industry, Al-Aradi called for a new law to organize the issuing of fishing permits. He criticized the way that regulation had been deputized and questioned the legality of aspects of the current system.
Al–Aradi, speaking after Isa al-Kooheji, praised the holding of parliamentary seminars on a range of issues, but said he doubted whether Al-Kooheji was “fond of these seminars, but we deputies enjoy them”. Al-Kooheji then asked the Chairman to strike Al-Aradi’s comment from the register (Chairman Al-Mulla refrained from doing so) adding: “Nobody has the right to stipulate what I do or don’t enjoy, the seminars are a step forward”.
Good governance & public finance
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.
The Minister of Works on 15 May responded in writing to questions by Al-Aradi regarding its projects and strategic planning.
During the 19 May parliamentary session Al-Aradi debated with the Minister of Works about the strategic planning for Bahrain. Al-Aradi criticized the lack of detail. He said that the strategic plan had been agreed since 2008 as part of Vision 2030, but still the detailed framework had not been agreed.
Public debt: During the 10 March parliamentary session Al-Aradi warned of the need for consideration before passing a bill limiting the Government’s debt ceiling. He said that Parliament should not “put the cart before the horse” and that “we don’t want to pass a bill that imposes a wall in front of the Bahraini people”.
During the 24 March parliamentary session Al-Aradi was one of only six MPs who abstained and did not support the measure to reject an increase in the debt ceiling.
On 25 March, Al-Aradi rejected rumours that services to citizens could be halted in the light of the parliamentary decision not to increase the debt ceiling. Al-Aradi stressed that these services represented the “attainments” of the citizen and Parliament would not allow these rights to be taken away.
According to Al-Watan on 14 May Al-Aradi was one of the 20 MPs who said that they would give conditional support to raising the debt ceiling to 7bn BD.
Minister interrogation: During the 5 May parliamentary session an insufficient number of MPs voted in support of interrogating the Health Minister over issues raised in the Audit report (23 supported, below the 2/3 quota of 27 MPs). Al-Aradi abstained.
Interrogation provisions: Ali al-Atish, Ali al-Aradi, Mohammed al-Ammadi, Ahmed Qaratah and Mohammed Milad on 8 May submitted a bill for simplifying the provisions for interrogating a minister, including removing two stages of the approval process and cancelling the need for a two-thirds majority.
MPs’ benefits: On 12 May, Parliament voted to delay two weeks the vote on modifying retirement payments for MPs. Al-Aradi cited the need for “justice” for the 2011 by-election MPs who weren’t entitled to benefits. However, he said there was no need to raise the ceiling level for benefits.
Policing & regional security
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.
Iran: During the 24 March parliamentary debate on Iranian interference in Bahrain. Al-Aradi noted that international law was clear in rejecting foreign interference and that issuing a statement was insufficient.
France: Al-Aradi on 11 May stressed the importance of GCC relations with France for ensuring regional security and economic development”.
Schengen visas: Al-Aradi on 12 May supported the proposal for obliging the Government to lobby for Bahrainis to be exempt from the Schengen visa. Al-Aradi called for “comparable treatment” from EU states, noting how easy it was to obtain a Bahrain visa.
Regional: Al-Aradi on 27 May warned that “regional forces are threatening the stability and security of the region and specifically Bahrain”, during his meeting with an EU human rights official.
Rights, freedoms & religion
Quran: During the 17 March parliamentary debate about the proposal for setting up an inquiry committee over the reading of Quranic verses during a talent contest, Al-Aradi said: “We should not do injustice to the student. Our concern should be the origin of the problem and who allowed this to happen”. After speaking in favour of the committee Al-Aradi was kissed on the head by Buhassan.
Youth, culture & sport
Culture: Al-Aradi on 2 March proposed dedicating a section of the National Museum to prominent Bahraini personalities.
Sport: During a 7 April open parliamentary debate about sport in Bahrain Al-Aradi called for greater fairness in the allotment of sporting facilities, noting the lack of investment in villages in the Saar area of his constituency.
Al-Aradi on 6 May met the Minister for Youth and Sport. Al-Aradi was accompanied by a number of representatives from youth clubs in his constituency who discussed their local needs with the Minister.
Al-Aradi on 11 May submitted a private bill proposing establishing a “model sports hall” in Saar.
Parliament role & constituent engagement
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.
Reform: Al-Aradi on 27 March, as part of the delegation to the International Parliament meeting in Vietnam, praised King Hamad’s reform programme.
International Parliament: As part of his participation in the International Parliament session in Vietnam, Al-Aradi spoke about the importance of the parliamentary process for monitoring the business of government. (29 March) During a 12 April press conference on his return from the Vietnam International Parliament sessions, Al-Aradi noted Bahrain’s success in acquiring “three important seats” in the Parliament.
European Parliament: Al-Aradi on 13 April met with an EU Parliament delegation, during which he stressed the importance of strengthening ties with the EU. At a joint EU Parliament-GCC event in Brussels on 21 April, Al-Aradi and Isa Turki stressed the importance of close ties with the EU.
Al-Aradi on 24 April during the delegation to Brussels stressed the legislation being passed to reinforce the human rights situation in Bahrain. He noted the central position of women in Bahraini society. Al-Aradi warned of “regional forces” seeking to undermine security.
Private members’ bills: During the 7 April parliamentary session MPs voted to commit the Government to a time limit for implementing proposals submitted by MPs and agreed on by Parliament. Al-Aradi said there was no “hint of unconstitutionality” to the proposal.
Urgent bills: During the 28 April parliamentary debate on the Finance Committee’s recommendation to reject 4 government bills marked urgent, Al-Aradi agreed that such bills should be presented so as to allow Parliament to have more time. However, he cited his dispute resolution experience in pointing out why the Dispute Resolution bill was so important and urged MPs not to reject it.
Parliament: Al-Aradi on 21 May met the head of the Prime Minister’s Court and praised the PM’s role in encouraging cooperation between the Parliament and Govt.
Al-Asalah attack: During a Parliament Administrative Bureau meeting on 20 May Al-Aradi discussed the issue of parliament employees sacked from their posts during the 2011 unrest. Al-Asalah in a 21 May statement strongly condemned comments attributed to Al-Aradi during this meeting calling for compensation for these employees. Al-Asalah called this a “dangerous and dramatic development in the Parliament Bureau”.
Citing minutes of the meeting, Al-Asalah that Al-Aradi asked for compensation ranging from BD18,000 to BD30,000 for parliament employees who were sacked for attending protests. Al-Asalah’s statement said: “This is another hideous role played by those who demonstrated their ill-intentions towards the country, the legislative authority and the Bahraini citizens in a wicked manner to cover up their treacherous designs in front of the media in an endeavour to – silently and quietly – spread treason and defend traitors”. Al-Asalah expressed its dismay towards Parliament Chairman Ahmed Al Mulla, who presided over the meeting, for keeping silent.
However, numerous MPs, including Khalid al-Shaer and Adel Bin-Hamid have defended Al-Aradi and the Parliament Chairman and criticized Al-Asalah. Bin-Hamid criticized the “casting doubts over national loyalty of others and accusations using all manner of offensive descriptions just because of differences in positions and opinions”. A number of civil society groups, legal figures and other prominent personalities have also strongly criticized Al-Asalah. Al-Ayam on 24 May reported many of these reactions.
Effectiveness rating
- Standards of living, health & education – 5
- Housing & services – 6
- Policing & regional security – 5
- Good governance & public finance – 6
- Economy & employment – 8
- Supporting constituents & youth – 4
- Rights & freedoms – 6
- Constructive Parliament role – 8
- Public visibility – 9
- Progressive/reformist credentials – 7
Results of 2014 elections – 5th Northern
Areas covered: Qadam, Hajar, Abu Saiba, Shakhurah, Muqaba, Diraz, Sar, Markh
Housing blocks: 449, 453, 435, 439, 441, 447, 457, 702, 704, 706, 708, 712, 714, 744
Registered voters: 10,388; Percentage 1st round voter turnout: 16.3%
First round vote:
Ali al-Aradi – 339 (22.7%); Jamil al-Rowaei – 338 (22.6%); Ahmed al-Najjar – 236 (15.8%); Jamil al-Mahari – 104; Fadhil al-Harz – 100; Nabil al-Lababidi – 98; Hannan Abdulaziz – 96; Isa Taqi – 91; M. Mohsin – 65; M. Khalil – 30
Second round vote:
Ali al-Aradi – 534 (53.4%)
Jamil al-Rowaei – 467 (46.7%)
Profile of election campaign: Ali Abdullah Ali Hussain al-Aradi
Ali al-Aradi is a consultant in the Bahrain Chamber for Dispute Resolution, with a background in law and human rights. Ali al-Aradi came out strongly as one of the most visible candidates in this highly competitive constituency, imposing himself on the local consciousness through hundreds of billboards and a mass of promotional activity.
Al-Aradi pledged to work to increase investment in Bahrain and promote the economy, so as to improve standards of living for Bahrainis. Al-Aradi noted the need to hold companies to account which had failed to deliver in full on public sector projects. Al-Aradi says he had a number of initiatives he planned to pursue in Parliament to reduce the state budget’s dependence on oil revenues. Al-Aradi has called for an “Independent Higher Council for the media” for enforcing standards and upholding the rights of journalists. Al-Aradi has also spoken out on the need to address corruption through legislation to increase oversight of government and administrative activity.
Al-Aradi noted the lack of legislation concerning the various forms of discrimination in Bahraini society, promising to address this if he made it to Parliament.Al-Watan newspaper praised his “pluralist and balanced statements which avoid extremism and sectarianism, and which have gained him popular acceptance”.
Constituency demographic
This turned out to be one of the most exciting contests in the Northern Governorate. In contrast with neighbouring constituencies where election campaigns have been almost invisible, dozens of candidate billboards went up every few metres along the main highways traversing this area. The villages in this district are familiar as rioting hotspots so there is likely to be active opposition to any kind of participation in elections in this area. However, the extensive new housing developments in this area has gone to a cosmopolitan mix of middle-class families who can be relied on to turn out and vote, making this one of Bahrain’s most diverse communities.
Know your deputy: Profiles of other Bahrain MPs
Adel al-Asoumi – 1st Capital
Ahmed Qaratah – 2nd Capital
Adel Bin-Hamid Abdulhussain – 3rd Capital
Deputy-Head of Parliamentary Human Rights Committee
Abdulrahman Bumjaid – 4th Capital
Nasser al-Qaseer – 5th Capital
Deputy Head of the Permanent Committee for Financial and Economic Matters
Ali al-Atish – 6th Capital
Osamah al-Khajah – 7th Capital
Shaikh Majid al-Asfour – 8th Capital
Mohammed Jaffar Milad – 9th Capital
Nabil al-Balooshi – 10th Capital
Ali Bufarsan – 1st Muharraq
Head of Committee for Youth and Sports
Ibrahim al-Hammadi – 2nd Muharraq
Jamal Buhassan – 3rd Muharraq
Isa al-Kooheji – 4th Muharraq
Head of the Permanent Committee for Financial and Economic Matters
Mohammed al-Jowder – 5th Muharraq
Abbas al-Madhi – 6th Muharraq
Ali al-Muqla – 7th Muharraq
Abdulrahman Bu-Ali – 8th Muharraq
Fatimah al-Asfour – 1st Northern
Deputy Head of the Committee for Women and Children
Jalal Kadhim al-Mahfoudh – 2nd Northern
Deputy Head of Committee for Youth and Sports
Hamad al-Dossary – 3rd Northern
Ghazi Al Rahmah – 4th Northern
Deputy Head of Permanent Committee for Public Utilities and Environment
Ali al-Aradi – 5th Northern
Deputy Head of Parliament
Rua al-Haiki – 6th Northern
Shaikh Majid al-Majid – 7th Northern
Head of the Permanent Committee for Shari’ah and Legal Matters
Dr. Isa Turki – 8th Northern
Abdulhamid Abdulhussain al-Najjar – 9th Northern
Deputy Head of Committee for Supporting the Palestinian People
Mohammed al-Ammadi – 10th Northern
Head of Committee for Supporting the Palestinian People
Jamal Dawoud – 11th Northern
Head of Permanent Committee for Public Utilities and Environment
Jamila al-Sammak – 12th Northern
Head of the Committee for Women and Children
Khalid al-Shaer – 1st Southern
Head of Parliamentary Human Rights Committee
Mohammed al-Ahmed – 2nd Southern
Abdulhalim Murad – 3rd Southern
Second Deputy Head of Parliament
Mohammed al-Maarifi – 4th Southern
Deputy Head of the Permanent Committee for Services
Khalifa al-Ghanim – 5th Southern
Anas Buhindi – 6th Southern
Deputy Head of the Permanent Committee for Shari’ah and Legal Matters
Abdullah Bin-Huwail – 7th Southern
Head of the Permanent Committee for Foreign, Defence and National Security Affairs
Dhiyab al-Noaimi – 8th Southern
Mohsin al-Bakri – 9th Southern
Ahmed al-Mulla – 10th Southern
Head of Parliament