Amman, Nov. 2 (Petra) -- His Majesty King Abdullah II's statement during the opening of the third ordinary session of the 20th Parliament on Monday "And those who love Jordan acknowledge how much it has given them, and honor it through the dignity of their words, and the civility with which they express their differences" was more than an eloquent remark. It was an ethical and political charter that encapsulates the philosophy of the Jordanian state in its second centenary and sets out a roadmap for public service, both inside and outside Parliament.
The statement brought together three values at a time of mounting domestic and regional challenges and accelerating national transformations as the country's political, administrative, and economic modernization tracks move forward.
Analysts told the Jordan News Agency, Petra, that "the generosity of giving" evokes the state's history and the sacrifices made by its men and women, reminding Jordanians that genuine citizenship means acknowledging past contributions and safeguarding achievements. "The dignity of the word" reaffirms that freedom of expression, guaranteed by the Jordanian Constitution, does not mean recklessness or defamation, but rather entails a responsibility to protect social cohesion from misinformation and hate speech. Meanwhile, "the etiquette of disagreement" safeguards the success of the country's emerging party and parliamentary experience and guides political competition in the state's interest, strengthening national unity and preserving Jordan's standing as a model of moderation and wisdom in a turbulent region.
Professor of Public Law Moath Abu Dalou said the king's statement carried profound significance, underscoring that love for Jordan should not remain confined to slogans but must translate into conduct and a responsibility shared by all. He added that this requires respect for words and others, as well as hard work.
He said the timing of the message in the Speech from the Throne was significant, as it conveyed direct guidance on the need for everyone to uphold their national and ethical responsibilities and ensure that political competition remains within the framework of the public interest, respect for state institutions and citizenship values, and service to citizens.
Abu Dalou said these principles should be put into practice through a culture of dialogue and respect for differing opinions, noting that Article 15 of the Jordanian Constitution guarantees freedom of opinion and expression.
He stressed the need to avoid personal attacks, defamation, insults, and character assassination, adding that Parliament should exercise its oversight and legislative responsibilities in a manner that serves the public interest, while political competition should be based on programs aimed at serving citizens rather than personal interests.
Freedom of opinion and expression is a constitutional right, but it must be exercised responsibly, with respect for the rights of others and in compliance with the law. It must not become a tool for incitement or hate speech and should always remain guided by responsibility and the interests of Jordan, he said.
Abu Dalou described the king's remarks as a national and ethical charter that complements the political and administrative modernization process and provides a foundation for the practice of democracy and the rule of law.
He noted that modernization and reform do not take place all at once in the life of nations but are an ongoing process involving legislation, participation in political parties and elections, and the establishment of a culture that embraces diverse opinions, respects individuals, and safeguards their dignity and freedom.
He also stressed the importance of strengthening the domestic front and respecting differences amid the surrounding regional challenges, describing national unity as a source of strength that reinforces Jordan's standing as a model of moderation, balance, and wisdom in a region facing ongoing crises and conflicts.
Jordan Press Association President Tareq Momani said the king had consistently advocated making the media a force for the state, operating professionally and in accordance with ethical standards. The king has repeatedly emphasized that the Constitution guarantees freedom of opinion and expression, as well as the importance of highlighting Jordanians' success stories and the state's achievements to promote positive developments and counter negative trends.
The media, therefore, has a responsibility to challenge negative practices and highlight and promote achievements, he added.
Momani said words in journalism carry a great responsibility and an ethical and professional weight that goes beyond reporting events, as they can either build public awareness or undermine stability. This requires verifying the accuracy of news and consulting reliable sources, which is not an option but an ethical and professional obligation.
A scoop should never take precedence over respect for people's minds, awareness, and feelings, he said, adding that the media must also uphold values and protect social cohesion. Words are a form of soft power that strengthens a sense of belonging, shields society from misinformation and false news, and safeguards social peace.
He said the media should also address crises wisely, becoming a bulwark of national awareness in difficult circumstances, avoiding exaggeration and presenting the facts as they are without distortion.
Momani stressed the need to humanize coverage of events and respect people's dignity, saying the media should remain a genuine bridge between the state and citizens. He noted that the press has a code of honor and professional ethics that explicitly calls for respect for differences and opposing views and rejects hate speech, describing these principles as basic tenets of journalism.
He said traditional media outlets generally refrained from hate speech, which was instead practiced by some social media platforms. Such platforms need an ethical code to regulate their conduct, encourage professional practices, and prevent incitement while promoting common ground in the service of the country and its citizens and supporting the political process, he added.
For his part, Mutah University Professor of Sociology Hussein Mahadin said the ethical contract highlighted by the King should be translated into practical thought and conduct that reflect belonging and achievement, with everyone serving their communities through their respective areas of expertise.
Building on the achievements of successive generations and guiding Jordan through its first centenary in a turbulent region and world demonstrates that diversity of expertise and complementary contributions are the foundations of continuity and progress, he said.
Mahadin added that the values of loyalty highlighted by the king in the Speech from the Throne constituted a multifaceted message to all those whom Jordanians had welcomed as brothers and who had contributed to building the country without seeking recognition, in keeping with Jordan's longstanding traditions of generosity towards fellow Arabs and others facing difficult circumstances. However, some had failed to honor those bonds of shared history and affection, he said, adding that this was a matter of concern to both the leadership and the Jordanian people.
He said diversity of opinion under the Constitution and the protection of the law served as a national crucible for refining ideas and achievements through collective effort. It also reflected the diversity and freedom of informed expression on issues affecting citizens and the country, as part of the flexibility of Jordan's intellectual and political framework.
Democratic practice, he added, was deeply rooted in the conscience and institutions of the state, both official and civil, and reflected citizenship values in their various forms and enduring aspirations throughout the history of the state of law and institutions. It was therefore incumbent on all segments and generations of Jordanian society to further develop and advance this practice.
Mahadin also noted that political socialization in Jordan had distinctive roots in the family, which sought to instill in children an awareness that pluralism, respect for one's brother and neighbor, Arab solidarity, and hospitality towards fellow Arabs were fundamental values.
These principles have helped shape Jordan's policies and its approach to tolerance, earning the country international recognition. Jordanians have become a model of achievement and have led dialogue among people on religion, the arts, and sciences, he said, adding that the Amman Message, translated into most of the world's languages, was a notable example of this legacy.
Former Government Communication Minister Muhannad Mubaideen said the king's message was clear: those who had earned a place in Jordan's national record were those who loved the country and gave generously, sacrificing their efforts, lives and years of service for Jordan, its leadership and its people.
Jordan's founding, he said, had always rested on a firm covenant between the Hashemites and Jordanians, based on honor, loyalty, sacrifice, appreciation, and respect for the people's contributions and achievements. Love for Jordan alone was not enough; it had to be accompanied by dedication and hard work, he added.
Mubaideen said the king's remarks on love for Jordan and the country's recognition of generosity, the dignity of the word, and the etiquette of disagreement underscored that patriotism came with responsibilities and was rooted in the values of honor and integrity.
He added that expressing opinions and disagreeing were also part of the state's longstanding recognition of pluralism and its appreciation of the views of those who had loved Jordan and contributed to the founding of the emirate and the state over more than a century.
This, he said, was the essence of the covenant on which the state was founded between the Hashemites and Jordanians, who had contributed to the country's development through achievements, sacrifices and the blood shed for its advancement.
Mubaideen said the Hashemite leadership had always sought to preserve Jordanians' dignity while encouraging respectful disagreement and acceptance of differing opinions in the interest of the country. Jordanians may disagree on opinions, but they remain united in their love for Jordan and their loyalty to its leadership, he added.
He said the king had also spoken of Jordanians' duty to their land, including protecting it, safeguarding national resources and preserving the country's achievements. This was the meaning of generosity and loyalty – a rare currency encompassing devotion to Jordan, its accomplishments, its sacrifices and the long journey of nation-building spanning more than a century.
//Petra// AF
