His Majesty urges better communication with citizens

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday highlighted the importance of acquainting Jordanians with the Kingdom’s priorities and programmes at the political, economic and social levels.

His remarks were made during a meeting with the Lower House’s Mubadarah bloc members, during which discussions also covered the mechanisms necessary to develop parliamentary work and political life, according to a Royal Court statement. 

His Majesty urged parliamentary blocs to adopt clear and realistic programmes that meet the aspirations and needs of the people and help add to achievements.

Parliamentary blocs enjoy an important role in developing the political and partisan life, which is essential for the future of Jordan, the King added.

His Majesty noted that the Mubadarah bloc does have political, economic and social programmes, describing such plans as an important factor for the success of blocs and a step towards establishing platform-based political parties.

He also highlighted the significance of setting political, economic and social priorities and working jointly with the public and private sectors to address the challenges facing the Kingdom.

On ways to enhance political life in the Kingdom, His Majesty noted that his Discussion Papers, published as a series since 2012, encompassed a vision to improve political action and called for building strong programme-based parliamentary blocs that represent citizens across the board.

Stressing the need for lawmakers to work jointly with the government in a way that serves the public interest, His Majesty underlined the significance of cooperation and coordination with public institutions and overseeing their performance as they carry out their respective mandates.

The King said that what Jordan needs is having two to five political parties representing the left, right and centre, as the case is in many countries.

The conversation also went over several issues pertaining to local and regional developments, with His Majesty reiterating that regional conditions have negatively affected the national economy and citizens’ living conditions.

Head of the bloc, MP Ibrahim Bani Hani, commended the King’s efforts at the local and regional levels, underlining Jordan’s support for Palestinians and endeavours to clarify the true image of Islam to the rest of the world and improve inter-Arab relations.

Bani Hani said that in 2018, the bloc, which was originally established during the 17th Parliament’s term, addressed and formulated positions on six issues related to health, agriculture, energy, transport, political parties and civil rights of children of Jordanian women married to non-Jordanians. 

Members of the 14-MP coalition said that the bloc supports efforts aimed at going further with the political reform process. 

They also highlighted the importance of attracting more investments, especially to vital sectors that can generate jobs for the youth, as well as improving legislation, removing hurdles that face investors and upgrading government services. 

Royal Hasemite Court Chief Yousef Issawi and Adviser to His Majesty and Director of the Office of His Majesty Manar Dabbas attended the meeting held at Al Husseiniya Palace.