Bahrain’s parliament is sacred and was set up to meet the aspirations of the people. It will continue to play its part in the development of the country, His Majesty King Hamad said.
His Majesty also blamed international media for creating a division among Muslims.
“Despite the reported differences between Arab countries and Iran, we try to reach out to our brothers in the Islamic Republic, to solve the issues,” His Majesty said.
He was speaking as he received, in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander, and Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs chairman Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalid Al Khalifa, a number of clerics and judges at Al Rawdah Palace.
“I have not ordered the setting up of parliament for it to be dissolved every year or two, but to continue to play its vital role in promoting economic and social reforms.
“The highest honour for any individual is to enter parliament and represent the people,” he said.
The MPs have been given freedom to discuss key issues facing the country and propose laws for the betterment of society, His Majesty said.
“If MPs come up with sound proposals after consultations with committees set up by the government, the leadership will support them to achieve the desired goals.
“We do not have the power to veto proposals, put forward by parliament,” His Majesty said.
“The legislature, executive and judiciary are separate and independent and we respect their independence,” he said.
“We never interfere in the working of the judiciary,” he stressed.
The decision to end the State of National Safety is to make people feel that life is back to normal in Bahrain, His Majesty King Hamad said.
However, he warned, it does not mean that that the law will not be implemented or that security and stability will be compromised.
” We have one goal today to get life back to normal and put the wheel of reform back on track,” His Majesty said.
” Speeding up achievements is imperative, so that this crisis is put behind us as soon as possible and we can look forward to happiness knowledge, joy and prosperity,” said His Majesty, affirming that unity, integrity and coherence are the most important factors.
Justice will take its course in the cases being heard by the courts, His Majesty said.
On the separation of duties, His Majesty the King said the legislative authority undertakes implementation and the judiciary enjoys a respectful independence.
”I challenge any judge or lawyer who has come across any directives from me to the judicial system,” said His Majesty.
Commenting on the upcoming supplementary elections, His Majesty said these elections were necessary so that parliament chairman feels he has a full house.
” I hope everyone takes part when the elections are announced so that the parliamentary process is put back on track,” .
His Majesty said Bahrain also said that Bahrain did not tolerate harming anyone as no civilized state will condone abuses.