KUWAIT CITY, March 16: HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah is the first Arab government head to win the trust of the political leadership and the public after facing a parliamentary inquest - an indication that the Kuwaiti democracy is by far the best in the Arab world, reports Al-Qabas daily quoting participants in a seminar organized recently by the Center for Strategic and Future Studies.
Former MP Abdullah Al-Naibari opined the recent grilling is a positive development in Kuwait’s democratic process. However, he believes the interpellation of Interior Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Khalid over the primaries has overshadowed other important issues like spending KD5 million for election billboards. He attributed the prevalence of negative incidents to the lack of proper parliamentary procedures in the country.
Al-Naibari cited the increasing number of political groups or blocs, growing involvement of the youth in public gatherings, and rising number of citizens pursuing careers in social and political sectors as positive developments in the local arena. He called for unity among various sectors to push the wheels of development forward. He also slammed the continuous struggle between the moderate and extremist groups, while rejecting controversies concerning the participation of women in sports competitions.
Despite the political problems in Kuwait, Al-Naibari took pride in the latest political developments, particularly the election of four women in the Parliament. He asserted the Kuwaiti democracy is unique as it is free and external interference is limited.
Lamenting the worsening political situation in the Arab world, Al-Naibari argued the problem lies in the absence of proper reform procedures, lack of development, and the unscrupulous acts of the Zionist regime in Palestine.
Former MP Saleh Al-Fadhalah stressed the country is heading towards the right direction, considering the positive response of the government to parliamentary inquests. He added the executive authority emerged victorious in the grilling of four Cabinet members in a single session. He said this is a clear manifestation that the executive has won the support of a majority in the Parliament.
Minister of Finance Mustafa Al-Shamali said the government has no plan to approve a proposal on granting KD5,000 to Kuwaitis aged 21 years and above, reports Al-Seyassah daily.

Political Science Professor at Kuwait University (KU) Dr Mohammed Al-Sayed Salem affirmed democracy is a basic requirement for achieving national development, in addition to education.
He stated the political arena was divided prior to the dissolution of the previous Parliament as some groups were keen on thwarting development efforts and democratic practices. He warned the development process will completely stop without democracy, while calling for enhancing the democratic practice through the implementation of the multi-party system.
Al-Shamali issued the statement on behalf of the government 24 hours after the Legal and Legislative Affairs Committee approved the proposal. He affirmed the government is against the recommendation and any other financial grant proposals by lawmakers. He restated positive disposition of the government towards the proposed capital increase for the Fund for the Needy up to KD1 billion if the need arises.
Clarifying the Parliament has not presented the proposal to the government but the latter will conscientiously deal with the issue once confronted with it, Al-Shamali said the approval of such proposals will constrain public funds. He added the government will not compromise percentage deduction from salaries of beneficiaries of the fund below 50 percent to uphold the principle of equality.