Bahrain king reshuffles cabinet

MANAMA - Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has issued directions for a cabinet reshuffle, as pressure continues to mount on the government from anti-government protesters.

Hamad issued the orders for a reshuffle in four ministries - labour, health, cabinet affairs and housing, Xinhua reported citing Bahrain news agency.

Labour minister Majeed Al Alawi, a Shiite, was appointed as the new housing minister, while labour ministry assistant under-secretary Jameel Humaidan was promoted as the labour minister.

Health minister Faisal Al Hamer, who came under intense pressure from protesters for mishandling the entire situation during the unrest since Feb 14, was removed from his post. His portfolio was given to Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Nizar Al Baharna, a Shiite, who was appointed as the new health minister.

Shaikh Ahmed bin Atiyatallah Al Khalifa, minister for cabinet affairs, is the only member of the royal family covered under the reshuffle. His portfolio was handed to Kamal Ahmad Mohammed Ahmad, chief executive officer of the Economic Development Board.

Hamad appointed Oil and Gas Affairs Minister Abdul Hussain Mirza as the minister of energy.

The newly created energy ministry will now cover the Electricity and Water Authority and the National Oil and Gas Authority.

Protesters continued their demand for the resignation of the entire cabinet, which they want to be replaced by individuals elected by citizens.