To my surprise, I read two reports last month about amending trade and social security laws. The first bill was initiated by H E Jassim bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, the Minister of Business and Trade. The second was proposed by H E Yousuf Hussein Kamal, the Minister of Economy and Finance.
The bill proposed by the Minister of Business and Trade aims to upgrade the corporate law in a bid to facilitate setting up of businesses. Al Thani called on all parties concerned to share their views about how to make business easier in this country.
He invited everyone to put their suggestions on the ministry’s website so that the new bill would meet the market’s needs and ensure a perfect business environment.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Economy and Finance said the new bill for retirement and pensions would plug loopholes in the present law. The bill, drawn up by the General Retirement and Pension Authority (GRPA), will bring about the best insurance system in the world, Kamal said.
I have tried in vain to get the bill’s draft from the GRPA, the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Ministry of Justice. The Minister of Economy and Finance has made many statements reiterating that the amendments aim to ensure a decent living standard for all pensioners and their families. Well said! But, does the minister feel the suffering of a pensioner? The retirement bill does not apply to ministers, who never feel the loss of bonuses and allowances, especially the housing allowance.
Consultation is crucial to drafting a retirement law that fulfils the needs of everyone. In my opinion, if the retirement bill applies to everybody, including ministers, we will have the best regulations that please us all.
Allah, the Almighty, said in the Holy Quran: “Those who hearken to their Lord and offer regular prayers; who (conduct) their affairs by mutual consultation; who spend out of what We bestow on them for Sustenance (Chapter 42 verse 38). God also said in Chapter 2, verse 159: “and consult them in affairs (of moment). Then when thou hast taken a decision put thy trust in Allah. For Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him).”
In the aforementioned verses, God tells Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) to consult with Muslims over matters that concern their everyday life. “All the sons of Adam are sinners,” said Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Therefore, the Prophet used to seek advice from his companions.
Ali Ibn Abi Talib, the fourth caliph, also said that a strong front is based on consultation. The concept of shura or consultation in Islam has been fruitful throughout Islamic history as the Prophet’s followers and scholars applied it.
Consultation has a number of benefits:
• It unifies people and wards off rumours.
• It mobilises efforts and ends duality.
• Provides good training and preparation
• Talents of individuals are discovered and their potential is unleashed.
• It leads to the best and most applicable solution.
If officials consult with experienced individuals over matters that affect people’s everyday businesses, the public will be satisfied. It would be unlikely to have errors. And if there appears an error, decision-makers will not be blamed for it alone.
As Qatari citizens, we thank the Minister of Business and Trade for his trust in us to contribute to upgrading the country’s commercial law. We pray to God that his fellow ministers see him as a role model and do the same thing.
