A major government crackdown on people who bribe public officials is underway in Bahrain, a report said.

A Cabinet meeting, chaired yesterday by His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, also studied proposals to tighen laws on misuse of public funds, said the report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

Present was His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier.

Ministers discussed a memorandum presented by the Deputy Prime Minister and ministerial committee for legal affairs president on a draft law amending provisions of the Penal Code. These aimed to tighten sanctions on those misusing public funds or gaining benefit from it.

The amendments are associated with provisions set for bribing a public servant, offering a bribe, embezzlement or causing loss to public finances.

The memorandum was returned to the ministerial committee concerned for review. The cabinet also referred to the ministerial committee a draft law on personal data protection. It aims to protect personal privacy, a fundamental constitutional right, and respect for its components and controls from any material or moral intervention.

The law also includes protection of digital data which has already become public property. This is to enhance public confidence in electronic transactions by preserving and protecting personal data from being tampered with.

The Premier then informed the Cabinet about a reply sent to His Majesty King Hamad on implementation of recommendations by the National Council.

Ministers congratulated parliament members on their opening the fourth session of the third legislative term on Wednesday. They greeted the nation on Eid Al Adha and hailed Haj pilgrims' success and the efforts of Saudi Arabia in providing all facilities to those performing Haj. - TradeArabia News Service