Crown Prince refers 20 irregularity cases to competent authorities
His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister today visited the Anti-corruption, Economic and Electronic Security General Directorate at Ministry of Interior.
His Royal Highness reiterated that close cooperation among government entities in combating corruption reinforced transparency and accountability and that it was key to maintaining Bahrain’s resources. He added that it was in line with the development drive and reforms initiated by His Majesty King Hamad.
His Royal Highness pledged that the Executive Committee would continue to review all the issues raised in the National Audit Office (NAO) Report to ensure that all appropriate steps are taken and to prevent the misuse of public funds.
In this context, His Royal Highness instructed 20 cases of malpractice raised in the NAO report to be referred to the Anti-corruption and Economic and Electronic Security General Directorate. The cases are related to different government bodies and will undergo a thorough investigation before being referred to the public prosecutor.
His Royal Highness confirmed that other issues raised in the NAO report are currently under review in order to identify the appropriate steps to be taken.
His Royal Highness highlighted the General Directorate’s active role represented in the Executive Authority in dealing with corruption crimes, and in providing communication platforms to the public via its hotline service for reporting any incidents of corruption.
His Royal Highness praised the Ministry of Interior, which is part of the working group in charge of reviewing the issues raised in the NAO report, for its efficiency in providing relevant information. His Royal Highness further expressed his appreciation for the efforts made by the Ministry, including those of Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, the Minister of Interior, and other executives at the Directorate, in combating corruption and maintaining economic and electronic security.
His Royal Highness emphasised the importance of effective cooperation between the Government, the Legislature, the NAO, the Public Prosecutor, the people of Bahrain and the media to increase transparency and accountability. His Royal Highness added that the directives of the Prime Minister, His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa in charging the Executive Committee with addressing all the issues raised in the NAO report serve to maintain principles of accountability and transparency and reinforce close collaboration among the relevant government bodies.
His Royal Highness listened to the General Director of Anti-Corruption, Economic and Electronic Security, lieutenant Colonel Bassim Al Miraj presenting details on the performance of each unit and the process of addressing reported corruption cases. His Royal Highness noted the importance of maintaining transparency by publishing comprehensive reports as well as surveys on reported cases. His Royal Highness further expressed his support to the Directorate and praised staff for their performance and competence.
Shaikh Rashid and the Chief of Public Security, Major-General Tariq Al Hassan were present during His Royal Highness’ visit.
Shaikh Rashid expressed his appreciation of His Royal Highness’ support for the Directorate’s work, insisting his visit would motivate anti-corruption efforts and prevent the misuse of public funds.
He reaffirmed the Ministry of Interior’s commitment to close coordination with other relevant government bodies in order to combat corruption and minimise its potential to impact the Kingdom’s development and reforms.
