Last week’s parliament session witnessed a heated debate between Parliament Speaker Ahmed Al Musallam and a number of MPs. The MPs objected to cutting off their microphones while they were discussing issues in the allotted time, claiming that this is a repeated practice. Parliament Speaker responded that he took this measure as he believed some MPs are using the allotted time to promote themselves on social media channels and that they often raise “personal” matters while giving examples of citizens grievances. The issue has been viewed by some as a measure of oppressing voices inside the parliament while others view it as a basic protocol by the speaker to monitor the session. Here is a look at what Bahrainis think about the issue:
“The Speaker has the right to bring an end to any elongated discussion by an MP. It is his job to keep things in order or else the situation and the debate can get out of control” Ahmed 34
“Such measures are taken by any parliament speaker that feels that the MP is not serving a definitive purpose through his discussion” Khalid 28
“It is quite a valid excuse for the speaker to cut the microphones off when MPs bring people’s names and individual cases to the parliament. The role of MPs is to discuss issues within a wider range rather than bringing individual cases to the parliament and wasting time” Mariam 38
“Some MPs are being repetitive and extremely vocal with the issues they raise. The Speaker has the right to regulate such behaviour and put things in order” Abdullah 30
“The Speaker does not have the right to silence the MPs. It is an unacceptable behaviour to arrogantly state that he was well informed about cutting off their discussions and also accusing MPs of wanting to promote themselves on YouTube by raising citizen grievances” Fatima 34
“Perhaps both the Parliament speaker and some members require some form of training on the art of debate and discussion. It seems like this is a necessity to keep the flow of work going” Manal 42
“The debate between the MPs and Parliament Speaker is healthy by all means. It is good to see that the MPS rejected the Speaker’s behaviour and called him out on it. In the end the Speaker should be a voice for the people and not against them and such acts do not serve his purpose” Salman 33
“Cutting off MPs while they speak is quite undemocratic. It should not be repeated unless an MP exceeds the allotted time slot for his or her discussion” Amal 38
“It is highly doubtable that the Speaker intentionally wants to oppress the MPs and silence them. He is simply trying to control a heated session and such matters are expected in the parliament” Noor 38
“The Speaker repeatedly clarifies that he allows every MP to comment on any issue without showing prejudice. He respectfully disagrees with some MPs at times; however, he stresses over the importance of sticking to the main issue being discussed while some MPs get carried away” Mahmood 36
“Some MPs are unprofessional. They raise examples of issues faced by constituents by naming them and they also mention names of officials. A parliament is a place where both government officials and MPs need to be respected and there is a certain level of professionalism that MPs need to abide to” Aisha 42