Local affairs editor
My inspiration: The King’s speech strengthens the high standing of the Bahraini media as a responsible voice
Al-Mardi: The high speech’s mention of the press law reflects ongoing royal patronage of the profession
Al-Hamar: The King’s support for the Bahraini press embodies his reform vision and enhances freedom of expression
The editors-in-chief of local newspapers unanimously agreed that His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of the country, in his supreme speech, on the occasion of the opening of the fourth session of the sixth legislative term of the Shura and Representatives Councils yesterday, touched on the imminent completion of the approval of amendments to the law regulating the press, printing and publishing, which carries profound implications that reflect His Majesty’s great interest in the national media and his continued support for journalists.
They stressed that this royal confirmation embodies His Majesty’s firm belief in freedom of opinion and expression as an inherent constitutional value in the reform project, and expresses his advanced vision for developing the legislative environment that keeps pace with the rapid transformations in the media field, and guarantees the Bahraini press independence and the ability to perform its professional mission responsibly.
The editors-in-chief believed that His Majesty’s mention of this file in his royal speech was a message of support and confidence for media professionals, and an appreciation for the role of the press as an active partner in enhancing national awareness and consolidating the principles of transparency and openness that characterized the democratic process in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Editor-in-Chief of Al-Watan newspaper, Abdullah Elhami, praised the lofty speech made by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the country, during the opening of the fourth session of the sixth legislative term, stressing that it represents a renewed road map for the path of the Bahraini state, and consolidates the position of the Bahraini person at the heart of the national project.
My inspiration said that His Majesty laid out in his speech the features of a comprehensive royal vision that makes the Bahraini citizen the true wealth and face of the civilized nation. It is a message that confirms that development in His Majesty’s thought begins and ends with man, dedicated to national dignity, social justice, and scientific and economic empowerment. He pointed out that His Majesty’s confirmation of the imminent completion of the adoption of amendments to the law regulating the press, printing and publishing, as a step that confirms the constitutional value of freedom of opinion and expression, reflects the wise leadership’s belief in the importance of the sincere national speech in building awareness and consolidating confidence, and reinforces the high position that the Bahraini media occupies as a responsible voice that contributes to development and maintains the unity of the national ranks.
Elhamy added that the sublime word was characterized by a clear humanitarian depth, as it embodied in its content the principle that the human being is the focus of public policies, whether in national initiatives to expand job opportunities, or in directing towards scientific and technological development and relying on national competencies to lead the future.
The editor-in-chief of Al-Watan concluded his statement by saying: “Bahrain, under the leadership of His Majesty the King and with the support of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, is moving steadily towards a new phase of construction and development, whose strength is the Bahraini human being, who always remains the highest symbol of every achievement and a source of pride for this dear nation.”
For his part, Editor-in-Chief of Al-Bilad newspaper, Muanis Al-Mardi, said that His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, in his supreme speech during the opening of the session, referred to the near completion of the approval of the amendments to the law regulating the press, printing and publishing, which bears a great indication of His Majesty’s continued interest and constant support for the press and journalists in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
He added that this royal confirmation reflects His Majesty’s keenness to ensure that the legislative environment for the media is advanced and fair, guarantees journalists their rights and provides the national press with the appropriate climate for prosperity and creativity. He pointed out that the law’s arrival at the implementation stage represents a real guarantee for protecting the profession and regulating it in a way that keeps pace with modern media changes. v Al-Mardi stressed that His Majesty’s praise of journalism in his lofty speech touched the hearts of all media professionals and journalists, as these words reflect the position of the profession in His Majesty’s thought and his constant care for it, as it is a fundamental pillar in the national development process, and a free voice that expresses the nation and the citizen with all responsibility and objectivity.
Al-Mardi concluded his statement by saying that His Majesty the King was and remains the first and great supporter of the Bahraini press, and his renewed interest in developing it confirms his deep belief in its vital role in supporting the process of reform and construction, and in promoting the values of freedom and transparency that the Kingdom enjoys.
Meanwhile, the editor-in-chief of Al-Ayyam newspaper, Vice-President of the Bahraini Journalists Association, Rashid Al-Hamar, confirmed that His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the great monarch of the country, mentioned in his lofty speech the near completion of approving the amendments to the law regulating the press, printing and publishing, reflecting His Majesty’s constant keenness to support the Bahraini press and its national role, to keep pace with the developments taking place in the media scene and to keep pace with the challenges, considering that this An essential pillar of His Majesty’s reform project and the protection of freedom of opinion and expression.
Al-Hamar indicated that the Journalists Association will take it upon itself to follow up on developments in the law with members of the Shura Council to ensure that the law sees the light, stressing that this interest comes as a continuation of the reform process that His Majesty has established since the launch of the reform project, and that the new law will keep pace with modern media and technical changes, and enhance the area of responsible freedom that the Bahraini press enjoys.
He added that His Majesty the King’s speech included a paternal gesture towards the people of the country at various levels, stressing his interest in the human element and his keenness for the Bahraini person to be the true wealth of the country, and that the ongoing royal directives reflect his deep belief in the role of the national media in spreading awareness and consolidating the culture of dialogue and openness.
Al-Hamar concluded by saying that His Majesty the King’s mention of the press in his supreme speech during the opening of the session constitutes a clear message of support that strengthens the position of the Bahraini media locally and regionally, and confirms that His Majesty is the first supporter of freedom of speech and media responsibility that preserves the nation and serves its future aspirations.
