His Majesty King Abdullah on Thursday underlined the role of the Lower House as a key player in a process where proper communication with the public is a vital component in arriving at solutions to national problems.

During a meeting with Lower House Speaker Faisal Fayez, members of House Permanent Office and committee heads, King Abdullah voiced confidence in the House and its ability to help realise reforms in the country.

Lawmakers can be particularly helpful if they communicate better with citizens and enhance public confidence in state institutions, he said.

The King said citizens are entitled to receive answers to queries about issues of public concern, whether their impressions about these issues were reality or perception.

He cited "wasta" and favouritism as examples of issues that the public should be informed about, urging MPs to discuss such concerns with their constituencies.

All matters should be put before the people to ease their doubts, he added. “There should be nothing to be afraid of.”

Openness, candidness and dialogue on all national issues will strengthen people's confidence in public institutions, King Abdullah told the deputies.

Meanwhile, he said decision-making processes should be transparent and made in accordance with clear protocols.

"I do not want to hear anyone saying there are directives from above," King Abdullah told the deputies. “The directives are clear and so are their channels: Everyone is directed to serve the country and the citizens, in accordance with well-defined and announced action programmes,” he said.

During the meeting, attended by Royal Court Chief Nasser Lozi, the King stressed that everyone is required to assume responsibility and that officials should take decisions with courage, transparency and openness.

He also lauded the role of the House as the partner of other state institutions in addressing shortcomings and expediting comprehensive political, economic and social reforms. In this regard, the King emphasised the significance of the Elections Law and the need to introduce amendments to move forward with reform efforts.

The House speaker emphasised the “huge responsibilities” before the legislature, vowing that lawmakers will “maintain contact with the different segments of the Jordanian community… regarding public concerns”.

During the meeting, discussions covered various local issues and means to deal with them in the best interest of the country and citizens.

The meeting was one in a series that King Abdullah is holding with representatives of public institutions and community leaders. More meetings are expected next week.