Lower House oversight session discusses gov’t response

AMMAN — Lower House on Sunday held an oversight session to discuss the government's response to several MPs queries.

The session started with MP Musleh Tarawneh (Karak) criticising the response of the Ministry of Tourism to his demand of a list of Jordan Tourism Board (JTB) workers along with their job titles and salaries. 

"The response came as a blow to the respect between the legislator and the executive authority, the reply from the ministry hinted that the Lower House does not have the right to question such administrative issues, " added Tarawneh.

Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Lina Annab stated that the ministry is implementing a human resources policy, aiming to deduct unnecessary payrolls, therefore saving the ministry "around JD500,000 annually".

Tarawneh stated that the reply was "not inconclusive and unconvincing" and suggested initiating  an investigation. 

Prime Minister Hani Mulki responded: "I hope the MP will not resort to an investigation and the government will provide a detailed answer within 10 days".

Later on, MP Abdul Karim Dughmi (Mafraq) stated that he was not convinced by the government's plan to turn Aqaba Ports Corporation into a company."We are again following a policy of privatisation and breaking up state institutions."

"I advise the PM and the government not to go ahead with this step; we should learn from previous examples", added Dughmi.

For his part, lawmaker Mohammad Riyati (Aqaba) inquired about the operational costs of the Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC) calling the government's response "catastrophic"."The government is avoiding giving clear answers, this only shows the deficiency of the government".

Deputy Mohammad Nouh Qudah (Zarqa, 1st District) stated that "there is a lack of seriousness when it comes to countering corruption, till now there are no registered cases against people who have been proven to be involved in corruption cases."

"There are 83 violations in 36 institutions and I hope the government will take swift measures to tackle  corruption," added Qudah.

The premier responded by saying: "I want to assure everyone that the government is very serious when it comes to tackling corruption and you will all witness how the government will deal with these cases after investigations conclude".

MP Ali Khalaileh (Zarqa, 2nd District) highlighted the situation of overcrowded Zarqa schools, noting some classrooms have between 70 to 80 students."

The majority of Lower House members voted on releasing a statement supporting Rima Khalaf's “honourable stance”.  

Khalaf, undersecretary general and executive secretary at ESCWA, announced her resignation on Friday, stating that the UN secretary general had asked her to withdraw a report in which she accused Israel of being an "apartheid state".