RIYADH, Nov 30: Saudi Arabia’s King Fahd has granted a greater legislative role to the kingdom’s consultative Shura council as the absolute monarchy cautiously presses ahead with political reforms called for by Saudi and Western critics.

A royal decree issued late on Saturday effectively shifted influence from the cabinet to Shura members — an unelected “parliament” whose members are hand-picked by the king. It also made it easier for the council to propose new laws.

The announcement follows last month’s decision to hold municipal elections in 2004, and comes as Saudi Arabia battles a wave of bombings linked to Muslim militants which have killed over 50 people this year.

Shura members denied the steps came in response to the violence, blamed on Al Qaeda militants trying to topple the rulers of the world’s biggest oil exporter, and said they were part of a gradual and tentative process of political reform.

“This decree will solidify the legislative power in the hands of the Shura council,” said Shura member Ihsan Bu-Hulaiga. “It will give us more authority.”

—Reuters