Close co-operation between government entities in combating corruption reinforces transparency and accountability and is key to maintaining Bahrain's resources, the Crown Prince stressed yesterday.

This came as His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier, visited the Interior Ministry's anti-corruption, economic and electronic security general directorate, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

Interior Minister Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa and Public Security chief Major-General Tariq Al Hassan were present.

The Crown Prince pledged that the executive committee would continue to review issues raised in the Financial Audit Bureau report to ensure that appropriate steps are taken and to prevent the misuse of public funds.

He also instructed that 20 cases of malpractice raised in the report be referred to the anti-corruption and economic and electronic security general directorate.

The cases pertaining to different government bodies will be thoroughly investigated before being referred to the Public Prosecutor.

Other issues raised in the audit report are under review in order to identify the appropriate steps to be taken, the Crown Prince added.

He highlighted the general directorate's role in dealing with corruption crimes, and in providing communication platforms to the public through its hotline service to report such cases.

He also praised the Interior Ministry - which is part of the working group in charge of reviewing issues raised in the report - for its efficiency in providing relevant information.

The Crown Prince appreciated efforts made by the ministry, especially Shaikh Rashid, and other executives at the directorate, in combating corruption and maintaining economic and electronic security.

He emphasised the importance of effective co-operation between the government, the legislature, the Financial Audit Bureau, the Public Prosecutor, the people of Bahrain and the media to increase transparency and accountability.

The Crown Prince added that the directives of His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, charging the executive committee with addressing all the issues raised in the audit report, serve to maintain principles of accountability and transparency and reinforce close collaboration among the relevant government bodies.

He listened to anti-corruption, economic and electronic security general director Lieutenant-Colonel Bassim Al Miraj presenting details on the performance of each unit and the process of addressing reported corruption cases.

He noted the importance of maintaining transparency by publishing comprehensive reports and surveys.

His Royal Highness further expressed his support to the directorate and praised staff for their performance and competence.

Shaikh Rashid expressed his appreciation of the Crown Prince's support, insisting his visit would motivate anti-corruption efforts and prevent the misuse of public funds. He reaffirmed the Interior Ministry's commitment to co-ordinate with other government bodies to combat corruption and minimise its impact on the kingdom's development and reforms. - TradeArabia News Service