RCMPS’ recommendations herald transition towards democracy — Rifai

AMMAN — Chairperson of the Royal Committee to Modernise the Political System (RCMPS) Samir Rifai on Sunday said that the recommendations of the Royal Committee are “a transition towards democracy in Jordan, without yielding to the pressure of any quarter”.

Rifai’s remarks came during a dialogue with media representatives, titled “The Outputs of the Royal Committee to Modernise the Political System… Paths, Questions and Necessary Revisions,” which was hosted by the Centre for Defending the Freedom of Journalists (CDFJ) at Zain headquarters on Sunday.

The media forum, launched by the CDFJ, in cooperation with Zain, seeks to periodically engage decision makers in dialogues, debates and discussions with journalists and media representatives to ensure the open exchange of accurate information. 

During discussions, Rifai, who previously held various governmental positions as prime minister and Royal Court chief, underscored the seriousness of the political will to complete the reform process, pointing out that the Kingdom has experienced a number of reform steps.

He noted that the Royal committee has had the widest possible spectrum of expertise of different backgrounds.

“This committee has been found to protect Jordan and all Jordanians,” he added.

As for Jordan’s notable decline in the public freedoms indicators, Rifai commented that “there is a need for a new cultural and political environment. Most importantly, the Jordanian youth should be made aware of their critical role and parties should be introduced in universities”.

Rifai also highlighted that 66 per cent of youth aged between 18 and 24 have trust in the committee.