Jordan Times
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
House debate on govt's
policy statement continues for second day
Deputies also reiterated previous calls to preserve democracy and
human rights when drafting an anti-terrorism law in the wake of last month's
attacks
By Mohammad Ben Hussein
AMMAN — Lower House deputies continued their
debate on the government's policy statement for the second day on Monday,
calling on Prime Minister Marouf Bakhit to set a timetable for the envisioned
political, social and economic reforms.
For the second day in a row, lawmakers cast doubt on the government's ability to
implement the ambitious reform programme outlined in its 28-page policy
statement.
Deputies said their scepticism was based on previous “unpleasant” experiences
with past governments.
Some deputies said they would hold the present Cabinet accountable for
“unfulfilled promises by former governments” by withholding their vote of
confidence.
In a statement read by Mustafa Amawi (Irbid Third District), on behalf of the
Shaab bloc (13 deputies), the group said it would “suspend its vote of
confidence,” until the prime minister announces a timetable for the development
plan.
“The policy statement is a collection of programmes compiled from different
ministries. We wish the government had its own programme in order to hold it
accountable for its actions,” the statement said.
“We are concerned the government's term will end before it fulfils any of its
promises,” said Amawi.
In its 78-point policy statement, the government pledged to widen health
insurance coverage, restructure the Social Security Corporation's investment
arm, bypass bureaucracy, ensure safer investments, jump-start public sector
reform, support the Aqaba Special Economic Zone, reduce dependence on oil and
increase reliance on gas, encourage private investment in public transport,
complete the Zarqa-Amman railway, and continue with the privatisation of the
telecommunications and post sectors.
Speaking on behalf of the National Front bloc Deputy Mahmoud Mheidat (Irbid
Ninth District) said the government would win the vote of confidence, but the
bloc was concerned that it “would not be given enough time to execute its
plans.”
Deputies also reiterated previous calls to preserve democracy and human rights
when drafting an anti-terrorism law in the wake of last month's attacks.
The government's policy statement, presented to Parliament last week, laid
emphasis on “protecting freedom of opinion, freedom of expression and individual
rights,” and ensuring that anti-terror draft legislation will not conflict, but
complement and safeguard public liberties.
Other MPs who took the podium yesterday urged the government to speed up efforts
to introduce an anti-corruption law, establish a constitutional court, and amend
the Public Gathering Law and other laws recommended by the National Agenda.
They also asked the government to fight poverty, unemployment, rising prices,
corruption, nepotism and favouritism.
The premier pledged to implement the most important legislative changes
recommended in the National Agenda report. He vowed to amend several laws
outlined by the document, including the political parties, municipalities and
elections laws, as well as all laws on civil society, such as the professional
associations and press laws.
Lawmakers are expected to continue deliberations on the policy statement until
the end of this week.