Responsible freedom of press is pillar of democracy : Minister

Manama : Information Minister Ali bin Mohammed Al Rumaihi has stressed that responsible freedom of the media is the pillar of democratic development in the state of law and institutions.

Speaking during a visit to Al Ayam newspaper yesterday, he praised respect of political and civil rights and liberties in the prosperous reform era of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. 

He lauded contribution of the national press in enriching the intellectual and cultural movement and backing political and democratic reform by highlighting national issues.

The Information Minister reviewed issues pertaining to the press and media field with Board Chairman of Al Ayam Press and Publishing institution Najib Yaqoob Al Hamer, Editor-in-Chief Isa Al Shaiji, Editing Director Jassim Mansour, Heads of departments, columnists and editors. 

He commended the capabilities of Al Ayam Media Centre and its outstanding technical equipment, underlining the institution’s contributions to upgrading the press and publishing sector in Bahrain as well as organising cultural activities. He also pointed out availability of a favourable climate for the press to perform its national duty freely and independently according to the constitution and media charters and within the framework of intellectual pluralism and democratic openness. The Information Minister praised Bahraini competencies as well as the Kingdom’s modern and comprehensive Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure, stressing the key role of journalists in raising awareness of the need to preserve hard-won gains amid current security challenges. 

He also underscored their important role in disclosing news and information credibly and objectively.

Information Minister  asserted the ongoing national efforts in developing the media and telecommunication sector, in partnership with the local press and the civil society. 

“This will also include grooming the national media cadres and stimulating their creativity to carry out their national duty in defending the nation’s security. They have to project the royal reform achievements in Bahrain and abroad,” he added.