AHMAD AL SAADOUN has realized his dream of becoming speaker of the National Assembly again through a majority vote from the opposition. Now, he is the leader of not only those who had ushered him to the seat, but also the entire Assembly. We hope he takes measures, suggestions or decisions in the interest of the nation; regardless of the stand of those who helped him win the election because, according to a certain person, the speakership is not a permanent seat and this might be his last chance to occupy the post.

Based on our knowledge about his history, we want him to leave a pleasant impression and his parliamentary history should have a happy ending. First, he must not meddle with the storming of the Parliament building case, similar to what some MPs have done, because he has no power to do so. He does not own the Abdullah Al-Salem Hall; it is not his house or chalet. It is a public property; hence, anyone who disrespects the institution is a criminal. No one has the right to declare the case close except HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, but this measure should be taken only once the culprits are punished.

We sincerely advise the speaker not to disappoint himself; neither him nor the assembly has that right.
Another piece of advice for the speaker: He should present a recommendation to the Assembly on the establishment of a new commission to maintain order and decorum in both authorities. We are sure the commission will take its toll on a majority of the MPs, including those who voted him and those who favored his opponent — MP Mohammad Al-Saqer.

Furthermore, Al-Saadoun usually initiates calls for the amendment of the Assembly’s regulations, especially the media coverage of parliamentary sessions, due to the legislators’ failure to master the art of proper dialogue, in addition to the exchange of accusations which usually occurs in television shows. The most recent verbal clash we witnessed was between MP Musallam Al-Barrak and one of Al-Saqer’s secretaries after the adjournment of the first session in this legislative round.

Without a doubt, the Assembly headed by Al-Saadoun lacks discipline and most of its members are in dire need of training on proper dialogue. The suggestion of the speaker will definitely curb their rashness and frivolity, because the commission will restore trust and sanity in the Assembly and its chambers.
This calls to mind a story about leftist Egyptian MP Ziad Al-Oleimi, who has been accused of insulting the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces and its leader, Field Marshal Hassan Al-Tantawi, when he quoted an Egyptian parable which loosely means it is no longer impossible to get rid of the body after getting rid of the head.

The council does not tolerate such ill-manner and frivolity. In reaction to Al-Oleimi’s statement, the council posted on its Facebook page that the MP should be distinguished for his intelligence, knowledge, culture and political awareness; and most importantly, he must observe good manners at all times.
Al-Oleimi is expected to be referred to the Commission of Good Manners and Values; if found guilty, he will be expelled from the Parliament but on condition of a majority vote.

We present this story as a gift to our new and old members of the National Assembly; advising them to strictly adhere to the legislators’ code of ethics. However, the most important step is to strictly follow the rules of order and decorum, away from insolence.

Email: ali@albaghlilaw.com