Islamist MPs seek stronger action on 'sinful activities'

Manama: Islamist MPs are increasing pressure on the government to intensify crackdown on "sinful activities" and calling for the formation of a panel to probe immoral practices.

"We are shocked to know that Manama has been ranked eighth among world's top 10 'sin cities'. It is a very sad situation for our country that prides itself on its political and human rights records because we wanted Bahrain to rank among the top countries in political, social or economic achievements. Now we need to tackle the issues of prostitution and other immoral activities that have vastly undermined our reputation," said Mohammad Khalid, MP for the Islamic Menbar, one of the three blocs that dominate Bahrain's lower house.

The probe panel will include representatives from the Culture, Information and Labour ministries and the morality brigade at the interior ministry should be upgraded to be better able to curb the immoral activities and track down those who are benefiting from it, said Khalid.

"Credible sources tell us that around 90 per cent of the female employees who flee their sponsors are being used by sex pests in some hotels and furnished apartments. While we do appreciate the efforts of the Interior Ministry which have helped citizens feel more at ease, we think more should be done to address this situation seriously and decisively and to overcome the ferocious resistance of those who are thriving on exploiting women and promoting vice," he said. Al Asala, the second largest parliamentary bloc, on Sunday, called for tougher measures to "eradicate the phenomenon that is giving Bahrain a bad name".

"We want Bahrain to be the favourite destination of families and people keen on clean tourism, and this means robust measures by the authorities to crack down on all immoral acts that are tarnishing the country's reputation," MPs Abdul Halim Murad and Hamad Mohannadi said.