New call for freedom of information (Bahrain)

New call for freedom of information

By GEOFFREY BEW    ANTI-CORRUPTION activists are to lobby parliament to introduce a Freedom of Information act in Bahrain, it was revealed yesterday. New Bahrain Transparency Society (BTS) administration president Abdulnabi Al Ekri said the organisation is planning to present a draft bill to MPs on the issue by the end of the week. It will seek to grant politicians and the public a legal right to request government information such as financial records that may otherwise be concealed. Mr Al Ekri said former MP Mohammed Abbas Al Shaikh had already approved the draft bill, which will be forwarded to parliament's financial affairs committee for review. "Even MPs request for information are denied," he told the GDN. "The bill will give every citizen the right to request information, for example about budgets." Mr Al Ekri, who is also an adviser for the Bahrain Human Rights Society, said the bill was part of plans to investigate and raise awareness about corruption in the government, political societies and private sector. "Our priority is to discuss corruption in budgets with the government," he said. Mr Al Ekri revealed that BTS will shortly hold a meeting to outline its vision and objectives for the next two years. He said the society would also carry out a major recruitment campaign to try and encourage more women and young people to join its ranks. "We have a problem with recruiting new members, especially young people, and this is one of the major challenges we face," said Mr Al Ekri. "We have amended our bylaws so that membership can be taken by people aged 21 and above instead of 26 years. Mr Al Ekri said professionals such as auditors, educators and journalists were being sought, but all applicants would be considered. geoff@gdn.com.bh   http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/Story.asp?Article=219046&Sn=BNEW&IssueID=31073