HRH said that close cooperation among government entities in combating corruption reinforces transparency and accountability served as a key to maintaining Bahrain’s resources, and falls in line with the development and reform programme initiated by His Majesty King Hamad.
He expressed these views during a visit to the Anti-Corruption, Economic and Electronic Security General Directorate at Ministry of Interior.
His Royal Highness vowed that the Executive Committee continues to review all the issues raised in the National Audit Court (NAC) Report to ensure that all appropriate steps are taken and prevent misuse of public funds. In this context, His Royal Highness instructed 20 cases of malpractice raised in the NAC report to be transferred to the Anti-corruption and Economic and Electronic Security General Directorate at the Ministry of Interior.
Those cases were related to different government bodies and will undergo a thorough investigation before being transferred to the public prosecutor. His Royal Highness further confirmed that other issues raised in the NAC report were currently under review in order to identify appropriate steps.
His Royal Highness highlighted the General Directorate’s active role represented in the Executive Authority in dealing with corruption crimes and in providing communication platforms to the public via its hotline service for reporting any incidents of corruption.
His Royal Highness praised the Ministry of Interior, which is part of the working group in charge of reviewing the issues raised in the NAC report, for its efficiency in providing relevant information.
His Royal Highness further expressed his appreciation for the efforts made by the Ministry, including those of His Excellency Lieutenant General Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, the Minister of Interior, and other executives at the Directorate, in combating corruption and maintaining economic and electronic security.
His Royal Highness emphasised the importance of effective cooperation between the Government, the Legislature, the NAC, the Public Prosecutor, the people of Bahrain and the media to increase transparency and accountability.
His Royal Highness added that the directives of the Prime Minister, His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa in charging the Executive Committee with addressing all the issues raised in the NAC report serve to maintain principles of accountability and transparency and reinforce close collaboration among the relevant government bodies.
His Royal Highness listened to the General Director of Anti-Corruption, Economic and Electronic Security, Lieutenant Colonel Bassim Al Miraj presenting details on the performance of each unit and the process of addressing reported corruption cases.
His Royal Highness noted the importance of maintaining transparency by publishing comprehensive reports as well as surveys on reported cases. His Royal Highness further expressed his support to the Directorate and praised staff for their performance and competence.
His Excellency the Minister of Interior, Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa and the Chief of Public Security, Major-General Tariq Al Hassan were also present during His Royal Highness’ visit.
In response to His Royal Highness’ visit, His Excellency the Minister of Interior, Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, expressed his appreciation of His Royal Highness’ support for the Directorate’s work and further noted that this visit serves to motivate anti-corruption efforts and prevent the misuse of public funds. He concluded by affirming the Ministry of Interior’s commitment to close coordination with other relevant government bodies in order to combat corruption and minimise its potential to impact the Kingdom’s development and reform programme.