Bahrain's Opposition Bloc Comes Under Attack By Political Societies

Manama, Bahrain-Bahrain’s largest opposition bloc has come under scathing attack by a political society, which has slammed its 17 Shia MPs for working ‘ for their own benefit rather than national interest.’

Lawmakers from Al Wefaq bloc ( Conservative Shia) recently backed a government draft law on retirement pension for MPs, which has now become a bone of contention between the bloc and the Shia opposition Al Amal Action Society.The society claims the retirement pension proposed for MPs is much higher than what an average government employee receives after years of service.

“ A clear difference will exist among pension of citizens and what MPs would receive. The bloc should work for the needy people rather than thinking about their pockets. This seems like a big cheating plan against the voters who elected them during the 2006 elections,” Al Amal Action Society, cultural activities Director Fahmi Abdulsaheb said.

There is no law in the country, which specify pension amounts for former lawmakers. According to opposition society, it costs the exchequer BD 200,000 annually. Local media reports have stated that several former MPs receive monthly salary from the government though not approved by parliament. Al Wefaq backed the government draft law in this regard, which was rejected by all parliamentary blocs- Al Asala( Conservative Sunni), Al Menbar( Muslim Brotherhood) and Al Mustaqbal(Future bloc). Islamist and Secular blocs make up the 40- member Chamber of Deputies. Al Wefaq National Islamic Society is the largest opposition group in the Kingdom representing 17 MP’s in parliament

Top Shia cleric Shaikh Mohammed Ali Mahfoodh who heads Al Amal society has taken the issue to another heated level by criticizing Al Wefaq MPs during his Friday sermons . He has reportedly accused the lawmakers of being corrupt by supporting pension for MPs. Abdulsaheb pointed out that most of the MPs were professionals like doctors and engineers who were financially sound.

“ Let us make one thing clear, we are not against MPs rights for pension, but oppose the amount proposed by them using their position in their favor. Opposition represents the people to raise their concerns rather than cheating the voters by promoting inequality in the society,” he explained

The society member alleged that Al Wefaq was resorting to personal attacks on Al Amal society and National Democratic Action Society(NDAS), largest leftist party. He said a war of words was declared by Al Wefaq who were now intimidating the two societies that none of their members were elected during the 2006 municipal and parliamentary elections in the island. Al Amal and NDAS boycotted 2002's general election along with several other opposition groups, but did take part in 2006's parliamentary election, where it won no seats.

Speaking his view about the ongoing stalemate, Ebrahim Sharif, NDAS Secretary General said,” Our stand is clear on the pension issue for lawmakers. We are not here to settle scores with Al Wefaq bloc, but I am ashamed that opposition is slowly losing trust of its people and has come crashing down.”

Pushed against the wall by the opposition societies,Al Wefaq bloc says there is a misconception as it is the right of MPs to receive pension.Al Wefaq MP,Khalil Al Marzooq said,“ This is being projected like the mother of all battles like what former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein said. We are fighting for our rights while Al Amal is using the demand of the needy citizens and linking it with the issue. Every position has a requirement and a wage, we cannot compare a clerk with a CEO,” the MP said.

He said their bloc had come under attack by cleric Shaikh Mohammed Ali Mahfdooh who – “ called us corrupt and working with the Council of Ministers for money.”

This he said was a sensitive issue as no one would hear or accept such accusations.

“ There are other serious issues such as release of detainees arrested during the unrest, constitutional amendments which these societies should work with us collectively,” Al Marzooq said.

An open meeting is expected to be held soon between Al Wefaq and Al Amal to reason out their differences on the retirement pension plan. The meeting is expected to decide the stand of the opposition societies- whether to bury their differences or split with their ideologies.

Bahrain has bicameral legislature- The Chamber of Deputies elected by the citizens and the Shura(Consultative) Council whose members are appointed by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. Both the Houses have 40 members each who serve a four year term. The tiny island is the financial and banking hub in the region and is home to the US Navy Fifth Fleet.