Opinion | Columnists
Political development gains momentum
Dr Al Alawi said governments in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states are starting to believe in the benefits of empowering their people and giving them the right to wider participation in the decision making process.
- By Duraid Al Baik, Foreign Editor
- Published: 00:41 October 1, 2007
Dr Al Alawi said governments in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states are starting to believe in the benefits of empowering their people and giving them the right to wider participation in the decision making process.
He says, "We began to see political life in the region more liberalised in recent years. The six GCC states have adopted some level of political participation that varies in degree, but moving towards the same target: Allowing people to have a say in political and social issues concerning their lives.
In Kuwait and Bahrain, for instance, citizens are offered good deal of involvement in decision making process. Elected MPs in both countries have the right to supervise the performance of their respective governments.
The parliament in Bahrain often discusses corruption and fights illegal practices. This is great achievement by the people of Bahrain. I was, as a minister of labour, questioned by the parliament on issues related to the ministry of labour. I feel this is good and I am proud of it happening now because it was not possible in Bahrain seven years ago.
The opposition has a great responsibility towards safeguarding those achievements through making sure that they don't incite social unrest by exploiting the democratic means of expression.
I think Western countries and those advocating democracy are not interested in destabilising the Gulf. Our region is the main artery for energy to the world and from a western point of view, the key to achieve continuous supply of oil is through maintaining the stability.
If political reforms would result in destabilising the political system, the Western world is not willing to support democracy here.
The opposition is very important to expose corruption in governments, but the priority should be always for stability.
Stability
In Bahrain, the opposition has realised how to maintain the balance between stability and democracy and it is performing its duties accordingly.
I hope to see active opposition forces in all GCC countries working within the legal structure of their states.
As a minister in charge of non-governmental organisations (NGOs), I believe political reforms gain its momentum from the strength of social structure. Strong NGO system is a key for powerful community in the Gulf. It helps channelling the efforts of nationals and expatriates for the benefit of the society. Bahrain has 380 organisations which enjoy the full support of the government.
I call on other GCC countries to enhance the role of NGOs. It is the right answer to weakening interaction between the states and their citizens.
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