MPS yesterday united to reject the new national budget, saying it failed to meet the people's needs.
They said money was being wasted on military and other expenditure which could be channelled into housing and other social needs.
A major sticking point was the government's refusal to allocate BD100 million over two years to continue paying the BD50-a-month inflation allowance to Bahraini families.
The BD4.1 billion 2009/2010 budget will now go to the Shura Council for discussion.
If approved, then it will go back to parliament for a second vote.
But if parliament rejects it again, then it will go before the full, 80-member National Assembly.
Parliament financial and economic affairs committee chairman Abduljalil Khalil said the government's revenue could have been higher than that given in the budget.
"Instead, the government opted to circulate profits from successful companies like Alba to failing companies like Gulf Air, rather than have half of it pumped in the new budget.
"The government has 50 advisers ranked as ministers, whom it doesn't need, as they drain millions from the budget unnecessarily.
"The saved money could have been used for housing, health and educational facilities as well as municipal projects.
"The way the budget is being done is unrealistic."
Public utilities and environment affairs committee vice-chairman Hassan Al Dossary said everyone knew that the world was going through a financial crisis, but that was not an excuse for the government not to prioritise, with the people coming first.
"There should be a programme and it is missing here. The question is - does the government have plans?
"Necessary services are being affected. I don't know why they cut municipal, education and housing projects' budgets, if more could be pumped in from Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company (the government's investment arm) and other spending reduced.
"The government should be spending on things that benefit people, because it is the only thing that will make them feel that the budget is theirs."
MPs are normally allowed to speak for minutes, but some gave up part of their time to allow Al Wefaq bloc president Shaikh Ali Salman to speak for 25 minutes.
He said the government was in disarray, with the Cabinet and the Economic Development Board (EDB) involved in key decisions.
"Who is running the country and coming up with its policies and strategies?
"Is it the Cabinet on Sunday or the EDB on Thursday?
"Two captains for one ship, will certainly lead it to sink."
But he said Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, who heads the Cabinet, was not to blame, since decisions were being taken elsewhere.
He said it was a shame that MPs were having to ask for a few million dinars to help fulfil people's needs - something the government should have done in the first place.
"The government budget is nothing today if we take the capital of a number of companies in the country.
"Parliament has just asked for around BD100m for the anti-inflation allowance for both years, in addition to increases in the services budget, but the government rejected it."
He said the government had to cut its security spending, because it was draining the budget.
"Look at Germany and Japan which have banned armies (except for defence). They are the second and third best economies in the world, respectively.
"Look at Qatar, which has dismantled its army and started spending on development strategies.
"Why spend 30pc of the budget on the military, while only 10pc could be spent to achieve the same result?"
He was opposed by parliament legislative and legal affairs committee chairman Shaikh Jassim Al Saeedi, who said that although he agreed the budget was not good, there was no need to insult the government.
"We are here with an opinion different from the government's, but we can't go on making degrading remarks about the government, who we partner in decision-making.
"Saying the government is lost is wrong. This country is being run in the best way possible through His Majesty King Hamad's vision."
Finance Minister Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa said the government had been working according to clear strategies since 1970s.
"Now we are working according to Vision 2030, which will be revised until it's completely fulfilled. I believe everyone knows who the decision-making body is between the Cabinet and the EDB.
"Our inner structure is not weak and we know where we stand.
"We know the country's revenue and needs and are working according to that, each from his position.
"Bahrain is a tax-free country and according to our limited revenue, we are working hard to develop the standards of living for people."
Minister of State for Shura Council and Parliament Affairs Abdulaziz Al Fadhel said the Premier had served the country in the best way possible.
"This is evident, considering that with our small limited budget, we have achieved a lot. I am not saying this. It is the international recognition and acknowledgement we have received for things we have done."
alaali@gdn.com.bh
