Tuesday’s session of The Council of Oman is devoted to debating contentious articles in the draft Labour Law, Social Protection Law, and Biometric Fingerprint Law, which the State Council and the Majlis Ash’shura disagree on.
This step reflects the collaborative effort in the country's decision-making and highlights the parliamentary contribution to adopting laws that affect the lives of citizens and proves the existence of the State of institutions and the rule of law.
It also shows a belief in the important role of the legislative channels in issuing legislation and laws and demonstrates how it is crucial to activating the legal tools in the event of a disagreement between the State Council and the Majlis Ash’shura on draft laws submitted to the legislative authority.
Debating and voting on the points of disagreement in accordance with Article 50 of the Oman Council Law is a positive step towards allowing the society to express itself through its representatives in the Majlis Ash’shura and to suggest changes to the laws presented.
The disagreement, or call it varying views, on the articles of legislation between Majlis Ash’shura and the State Council is a healthy phenomenon that reflects the society's maturity and high level of its awareness. In the light of several considerations, the differing views between the two councils may result in consensus on frameworks and laws based on members' principles, considerations, and obligations that they undertake in fulfilling their duties and functions as members.
Divergence of views is also regarded as an advanced stage in the process of establishing a legal framework on which laws are passed after members of the State Council and Majlis Ash’shura have sufficient convictions through the voting mechanisms.
The invocation of this conclusion will help consolidate the ideals of democracy we are pursuing based on values, principles, and convictions.
The issuance of the disputed Social Protection Law in light of the proposed views, is a positive step and qualitative leap for the country as a whole. It reflects an elevated level of care for the eligible groups and keenness to improve their financial conditions, including those with special needs and the elderly, regardless of their wealth, as well as housewives, and children.
Despite the State’s economic and financial circumstances, the allocation of monthly stipends to these groups is a great development.
Excessive demands that surpass the capability of the government are not a good thing. As the saying goes, ‘"Something is better than nothing." Given the uncertain economic situation worldwide and not only in Oman, the privileges offered could not be predicted by those receivers in the first place. Despite these adverse conditions, the State pays salaries to non-working groups, for example. Undoubtedly, this demonstrates an Omani advanced symbiotic ideology for the country that is probably unmatched all over the world.
His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s vision is aimed at going beyond the equator's boundaries and intended to achieve an appropriate standard of living for all segments of the population. This was clear from the moment he took office in the country.
His Majesty has pledged to offer a dignified living for all citizens, as well as to safeguard various elements of society from the impacts of liberalising services with the goal of reorganising the country's subsidised systems.
Furthermore, prioritising assistance for the eligible groups is necessary to preserve the State's financial position, while focusing on financial sustainability, which has become a vital prerequisite in striking a balance between income and expenditures.
The preservation of the State’s financial position and focusing on financial stability are crucial to strengthening the economic diversification initiatives, which require a variety of techniques. The balanced arguments at the two councils over the disputed articles need to take into account all these considerations.
Divergence of views and engaging in a debate are desirable, and listening to others’ perspectives is beneficial.
However, this must be done within the limits of the public interest, which must strike a balance between genuine requirements and available financial resources. As we can see, the global economic situation is dire. Every country, even the major powers, is in distress.
As a result, authorising an increase in responsibilities from a limited or electoral standpoint may result in future difficulties in fulfilling these commitments. As a result, more intellectual capacity and reasoning are necessary in debates and voting, while keeping the State's primary interests in mind.
These policies and regulations, on the other hand, can be revisited after they have been put into effect if it becomes evident that none of the groups are enjoying a decent life. Human-made norms may and should be revised as needed.
However, no matter how much we increase financial allocations, they will be insufficient to meet the rising life demands. It is the individual's responsibility to learn how to manage his funds and diversify his sources of income in order to keep up with the changes since citizens should be prepared to adapt to changing circumstances.
We hope that the Oman Council will vote on the contested articles in the Social Protection and Labour Law, establish an appropriate balance, and strengthen efforts to keep up with the developments rather than acquiescence and submissiveness in the face of challenging circumstances.
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