MP Jassim Hussein said the $ 20 billion weapons deal announced by the US for GCC states would have serious repercussions.
“This is a dangerous move by the authorities as last year’s surplus funds, which stand at $ 375 million, has not been reserved as the state’s savings, and may be used for weapons purchase,” he said.
According to reports, the 20 billion package which is spread over 10 years aims to provide the GCC states – Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the UAE – with advanced satellite-guided bombs, upgrades to its fighters and new naval vessels.
“The arms package by the US to Bahrain will affect the citizens as the surplus should be ideally used for solving the problem of poverty, housing and equal distribution of wealth.
“Unfortunately, the government has allocated this year BD378 million as part of its ongoing expenditure for security and defence purposes,” Hussein said.
The expenses of three ministries – Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Interior and National Security – exceeded BD336 million.
The Ministry of Defence alone spent BD190 million out of this amount,” Hussein said.
