MP seeks rule change to tackle ministerial delays in answering questions
The request aims to give MPs more control when ministers miss deadlines for answering parliamentary questions.
MP Mohammed Al Ahmed submitted the proposal to the Speaker, seeking to add a new clause to Article 136 of the internal rules.
The change would require the Speaker to act if a minister fails to respond within the set timeframe or within an agreed extension.
In such cases, the MP who posed the question would be offered two options: either proceed with an oral reply at the next session or refer the matter to Parliament for a vote on postponing the question until a written response is received from the minister. No discussion would take place before the vote.
Supplementary provisions
The move draws its basis from Article 94(b) of the Constitution, which allows either chamber to adopt supplementary provisions to regulate matters of internal procedure not covered in existing legislation.
The proposal argues that the current rules lack a clear mechanism for dealing with late responses, leaving questions unresolved and MPs uninformed about how or when the matter will be addressed.
The suggested wording for the new clause reads:
'In all cases, if the legal deadline for the minister's response to a question expires, or if the additional period requested for deferral also lapses, the Speaker shall immediately offer the MP who submitted the question the choice either to place the question on the agenda of the next session for an oral reply, or to refer the matter to Parliament for a vote on postponing the question until a written response is received from the relevant minister, without discussion.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Tribune
8 hours ago
- Daily Tribune
Proposal calls for permanent job support scheme for workers with disabilities
A proposal to create a fixed employment support scheme for people with disabilities in Bahrain's public and private sectors has been placed before Parliament. The plan sets out full salary coverage for the first two years, followed by permanent state funding of 75 per cent of wages, even if the employee changes jobs. It is intended to counter reluctance among some employers to hire people with disabilities and to ensure steady access to work. Dignity 'This proposal is about giving people with disabilities a fair chance to work, to contribute, and to live with dignity,' said MP Jalal Kadhem. 'The state has a duty to create equal opportunities and this scheme is a step towards that.' The proposal would bring together the Ministry of Labour, the Civil Service Bureau, the Ministry of Social Development and Tamkeen, the Labour Fund. It also includes training programmes geared to the abilities of disabled jobseekers and the demands of the market, with the aim of securing their long-term place in the workforce. Stability 'This is about ensuring lasting support,' Kadhem said. 'We are proposing a fixed system that guarantees stability and sends a clear message to employers that disabled citizens must be included in Bahrain's development.' The memorandum attached to the proposal cites Article 4 of the Constitution, which affirms justice, equality and equal opportunity as pillars of society, and Article 13, which requires the state to provide work for citizens. It also points to the principles of Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030. Masure Kadhem added that the measure would encourage recruitment in both state bodies and private companies while giving disabled workers a stronger role in economic and social life. 'By supporting wages and offering proper training, we give people with disabilities the tools to succeed. They deserve to be seen as equals in the workplace and in society,' he said. The proposal has been referred to Parliament for study by the relevant committee.
Daily Tribune
3 days ago
- Daily Tribune
MP hails BJA's new board
MP Hassan Ibrahim congratulated Issa Ali Al Shaiji on being elected unopposed as President of the Bahrain Journalists Association (BJA) for 2025–2026, and wished him and the newly elected board success in serving journalists and supporting the national press. He said the result shows the trust Mr Al Shaiji holds among reporters and editors, built on a long career in journalism and his earlier terms. That trust, he added, is due to his record of service to the profession. The MP described the Association as 'a cornerstone of press freedom and professional responsibility'. He said its work is in step with Bahrain's progress under His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, with strong support from His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for the media sector. He said Parliament stands with journalists and their work. The lawmaker noted that, in the last legislative term, Parliament passed the Press and Media Law, a step towards stronger freedom of expression and rules for the sector. He said the law gives journalists greater legal protections to do their work with independence and professionalism. MP Ibrahim thanked Bahraini journalists for reporting on the Kingdom's achievements.
Daily Tribune
4 days ago
- Daily Tribune
Marking I-Day, India's Modi vows self-reliance
Prime Minister Narendra Modi used his Independence Day address to outline key achievements, major reforms, and a vision for a self-reliant, developed India by 2047. 'My dear countrymen, This festival of Independence is a celebration of the 140 crore resolutions of our people and a moment of collective pride. From the deserts to the Himalayas, the seashores to crowded cities, the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign echoes the praise of our motherland. In 1947, our nation began its journey with immense challenges. Guided by the Constitution, shaped by leaders like Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Babasaheb Ambedkar, Sardar Patel, and Hansa Mehta, we have followed the path set by revered Bapu. Today, I bow to these makers of modern Bharat. On this 125th birth anniversary of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, we recall his sacrifice for 'One Nation, One Constitution'. Guests from across Bharat, from village panchayats to sportspersons, are present here, symbolising unity. Nature has tested us with landslides and cloudbursts; relief and rescue efforts are ongoing. Operation Sindoor showed our resolve after the Pahalgam massacre. Our forces, given full freedom, destroyed terrorist bases deep inside enemy territory. Bharat will not tolerate nuclear blackmail, nor will we allow water that belongs to us under the Indus Treaty to flow away unjustly. Self-reliance is the foundation of a Viksit Bharat. 'Made in India' enabled Operation Sindoor's success. We are advancing in semiconductors, clean energy, nuclear power, and critical minerals. By 2047, nuclear capacity will grow tenfold, and we aim for energy independence through the National Deep Water Exploration Mission. We are building an Aatmanirbhar Gaganyaan and preparing our own space station. I urge our scientists, engineers, and youth to develop indigenous jet engines, medicines, AI platforms, fertilizers, EV batteries, and more. Entrepreneurship thrives, with women's self-help groups achieving remarkable success - two crore have become 'Lakhpati Didi'. Farmers have broken production records, with agro-exports at Rs 4 lakh crore. Schemes like PM-Kisan and crop insurance are empowering them. In ten years, 25 crore people have risen out of poverty, creating a new 'neo–middle class'. Development is reaching backward regions and communities through missions for aspirational districts and blocks. Sports are now encouraged nationwide; the Khelo India policy builds an ecosystem from schools to the Olympics. I urge families to address the growing challenge of obesity. Security is paramount. We have reduced Naxal-affected districts from over 125 to just 20. Today, I announce the Sudarshan Chakra Mission - a powerful, indigenous defence system to protect strategic and civilian areas by 2035. We must remain united, free from the remnants of slavery, proud of our heritage, and committed to making Bharat developed by 2047.
