Ammon News - By Wael Jaraysheh

AMMONNEWS - 17 Members of Parliament on Wednesday called for forming a parliamentary committee to probe state lands registered in the names of former officials or investment companies for suspected corruption.

The memo, adopted by MP Abdul Jalil Sleimat and endorsed by 17 lawmakers, comes in response to the Royal Hashemite Court's disclosure of treasury lands registered in King Abdullah II's name in an effort to dispel rumors.

Members of the Lower House on Wednesday rejected in a session attended by Prime Minister Awn Khasawneh accusations and character assassination against the King without proof regarding the registration of lands in his name, which date back to the period between 2000 and 2003.

The Lower House stressed that the King is "above suspicion" and noted that the measure taken by the King to disclose the information ought to motivate all officials to commitment to transparency and accountability.

The Royal Court had stated on Monday that the lands were registered in the King's name in an effort to expedite the implementation of national development projects in various governorates.

Also on Wednesday, another parliamentary memo was referred to the government calling for granting retired military veterans priority in guarding state buildings and departments, including ministries and social and economic institutions.

The memo noted that this request was previously proposed by lawmakers but the previous government retracted from it after endorsing it.

Lawmakers on Wednesday were scheduled to discuss a memorandum signed by 27 MPs demanding a probe into alleged irregularities in water billing, and another petition by MPs to discuss privatization of formerly state-owned companies, such as the cement, phosphate, potash, and communications companies.

The Lower House on Wednesday commenced deliberations on the Landlords and Tenants draft law.