The issue of introducing a legislation to regulate websites and online content providing platform was discussed and approved by the Cabinet on Sunday.
His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa chaired the regular weekly Cabinet meeting at the Gudaibiya Palace Cabinet which approved the issuance of new legislation criminalizing anyone who establishes a website, publishes information online or uses any information technology tool to assist or aid communications with terror cells as well as promoting the disruption of public order or morale.
In addition, the decision of the Ministerial Committee for the Ministers of Post, Telecommunications and IT, which held in Bahrain, addressed the importance of developing a mechanism to regulate online websites and applications. The Cabinet referred the memorandum submitted by the Minister of State for Communications to the Ministerial Committee for Legal Affairs.
Dr. Yaser bin Essa Alnaser, Secretary General of the Cabinet, and issued minutes of the Cabinet meeting citing all points on agenda.
The Cabinet welcomed the historical visit currently undertaken by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to the People’s Republic of China noting the importance of this visit in regard to strengthening bilateral relations and increasing cooperation between the two nations.
On the occasion of the World Democracy Day (15 September) the Cabinet expressed its appreciation for the advancement of democracy in the Kingdom of Bahrain, highlighting accomplishments that preserve freedoms, human rights, and social justice in accordance with international conventions for civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights. The Cabinet reiterated that democracy is a universal human value based on the participation of the people through their free will and noted the steps taken in the Kingdom to encourage full participation in decision making that support and enhance democracy.
The Cabinet also noted that terrorism is one of the greatest challenges and biggest obstacles facing Bahraini democracy and appeals to all parties to join efforts in combating it, instituting stricter punishment for acts of terror in order to protect society. The government is working to accomplish this through raising awareness about rights and responsibilities, as well as helping citizens to fully comprehend that security is the main pillar for the successful development of democracy. The Cabinet urged all public and private institutions to continue to move forward with national programs that enhance the development of democracy in the Kingdom while respecting the law and the principles of human rights. The Cabinet recognized the necessity of defending democracy from those who espouse violence, political sectarianism or support for foreign intervention in internal political matters, in order for Bahrain to continue to prosper in light of the democratic development established by His Majesty the King.
HRH the Prime Minister instructed the relevant parties to simplify the procedures for investors and finalize their requests as quickly as possible, including expediting the process of issuing required permits from governmental entities without delay, and limiting the bureaucracy involved in relation to local, GCC and foreign investments. The Prime Minister called for the activation call centers in all ministries and government agencies to respond to inquiries from the public without requiring them to tend to all matters in person.
The Prime Minister then ordered the formation of a special suggestion review committee to name roads, neighborhoods, streets and paths and put the right standards in place. The Minister of Municipalities and Urban Planning in coordination with concerned authorities was charged with submitting a proposal to ensure there is no conflict with Municipalities Law 35 (2001).
In order to preserve heritage in all its forms and encourage cultural diversity, the Cabinet approved the Kingdom of Bahrain joining four conventions adopted by UNESCO. The first specializes in protection of intangible cultural heritage, while the second provides for protection of underwater cultural heritage. The third for encourages the protection and promotion of diverse cultural expressions, and the fourth addresses the prohibition and prevention of the illegal import, export and/or transfer of ownership of cultural property.
The Cabinet reviewed amending Law 38 (2009) as proposed by the Higher Council for Health in regards to the establishment of a national agency to regulate professions and health services through a memorandum submitted by the Minister of State for Defense Affairs and the Head of the Supreme Council for Health, and referred it to the Ministerial Committee for Legal Affairs.
The Cabinet emphasized the importance of launching the national strategy for special needs’ rights in the Kingdom that will take place on September 18 2013 in accordance with a report containing its implementation plan that was submitted by the Minister of Social Development. In line with protecting human rights, the strategy includes the right of merging special needs with mainstream society, thus fulfilling fair and equal rights for all.
The Cabinet reviewed the contents of the proposal submitted by the House of Representatives regarding preserving land allocation for public interest rather than transforming them into private investment projects. The Cabinet also reached a decision in regards to Gulf Air employees and the establishment of an intermediate school in the Central Governorate.