No curbs on benefits of retirees: Minister

Information and Parliament Affairs Minister Isa bin Abdulrahman Al Hammadi yesterday said that the measures taken by the government would not affect any benefits received by the retirees.

Addressing the media after the Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, in the presence of Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Al Hammadi said that so far no discussion had been taken place at the government level to limit the benefits received by the retirees.

“We all know that the Kingdom is facing challenges due to fluctuations in oil prices. But still, the situation is stable. The rights of the retirees will not be affected,” he said.

Meanwhile, he affirmed that reduction of government expenses due to oil price fluctuations would not affect the government workforce. The minister added that the government was trying to increase revenue and diversify the economy in order to strengthen the Kingdom’s financial situation. 

Commenting on the merger of the ministries and authorities in the Kingdom, the minister said that a committee was studying the matter to finalise the formalities to be followed during the merger. He also affirmed that there wouldn’t be any reduction in the workforce. “There will be a transfer of services of merged ministries or authorities to a single place. But, it will not affect the current workforce,” the minister assured.

Coordination at international level

Highlighting Bahrain’s role in the newly-formed 34-member Islamic coalition led by Saudi Arabia to fight terrorism, the minister said that Bahrain would play a similar role as other members of the coalition do. There would be a coordination among member countries of the coalition in fighting terrorism, he said.    On internal security issues, Secretary-General of the Cabinet Dr Yaser bin Essa Al Nasser said in a statement: “Commenting on a security briefing presented by the Interior Minister, the Prime Minister praised the tremendous efforts exerted by the security authorities to maintain security and stability during the national celebrations and festivities.”