MPs reject reduction of ministry’s budget

DT News Network

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Manama

With Parliamentarians discuss cutting the expenses in the proposed state budget for the fiscal year 2015-16, presented by the government to the council for approval, a handful of MPs have rejected any proposal to reduce Interior Ministry’s share in the budget.

“What some MPs are discussing now in regards to reducing the budget allocated for Interior Ministry is highly rejected. Security authorities should receive more support to maintain their high levels of preparedness, especially with the increasing terrorist plots and threats to the Kingdom that are frequently foiled and unveiled by them,” MP Mohsen Al Bakry said in a press statement issued here yesterday.

 “Security and stability are the keys to improvement and development of the nation and has direct impact on the economy and society,” he added.

Demonstrating a similar opinion, Parliament Financial and Economic Affairs Committee Member MP Abdulrahman Buali said that the budget of the Interior Ministry would not be affected while approving the state budget. He reaffirmed that MPs would do their best to increase the support to the ministry.

 “Interior Ministry is the official body responsible for preserving peace and security. Supporting and developing it is a national responsibility that the Legislative Authority (Shura and Parliament Councils) is obliged to fulfil and will positively reflect on the country’s peace and stability,” he said.

Buali appreciated the efforts made by the Interior Ministry staff, headed by the Minister Lt General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa.

Calling for increasing the ministry’s budget to contribute in strengthening the country’s protection, he added that all parties should be combined to support the continuous efforts and sacrifices of policemen.

The statements followed a meeting held last week between the Minister and members of Foreign Affairs, Defence and National Security parliamentary committee, where the state budget issue was discussed and the MPs were briefed by the Minister about the latest achievements of security forces in foiling terrorist attempts.