Jordan Times
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
PARLIAMENT WATCH
The Lower House of Parliament is scheduled to
vote today on the draft iftaa law introduced by the government to control the
issuance of fatwas, or religious edicts, in the country.
The law paves the way for establishing a new financially and politically
autonomous body, the government said in a letter attached to the bill.
The department, which will be sanctioned to issue fatwas on issues of public
concern, will be led by a mufti and include members from the government, public
universities and the armed forces.
The iftaa bill also would require the prime minister to consult with the
department on death sentences before the verdict is sent to the King for
approval.
Several MPs, mainly from the Islamic Action Front, voiced concern during initial
deliberations that the law would curb freedom and politicise religion. They also
claimed the draft law is against freedom of expression.
Others believe it is important to have a body that handles emerging political,
social and economic issues independently.
In their recommendations, deputies suggested that a penalty be imposed on
individuals who issue fatwas without authorisation. The proposed penalty would
be six months to one year in prison and a fine of up to JD1,000.
The Lower House is also scheduled to discuss the draft law on the
anti-corruption department, which was suggested as part of an official policy to
fight public sector corruption.
Government Spokesperson Nasser Judeh told reporters this week that more cases of
corruption are being discovered in the public sector. However, he emphasised
that this does not mean corruption is on the rise, but rather that efforts to
fight it have intensified.
The anti-corruption department would be independent from the government with
branches throughout the country, according to the bill.
The draft law also stipulates that all public officials will be held to the
letter of the law, including the prime minister, members of Parliament and
judges, as well as other senior officials.
Meanwhile, the House Financial Committee discussed the Income Tax Law and
introduced major amendments including almost doubling income tax on banks and
financial institutions.
Under the amendments, banks will have to pay 35 per cent of their annual profits
in taxes. The government had proposed 20 per cent taxation.
The committee also sought to exempt farmers from taxation “irrespective of their
annual profits.”
Deputy Hashem Dabbas (Balqa First District), head of the committee, said farmers
needed support and could not be taxed as they are suffering every year.
The committee also excluded the pensions of civil and military servants from
taxation.
The income tax, anti-corruption department, financial disclosure, and sales tax
laws, in addition to others, are part of a package of legislation introduced by
the government to help boost the economy.