KUWAIT CITY, Oct 23: Participants at the seminar “The Role of National Movement in the Political Terrain” organized by Diwaniya Al-Munayes Wednesday, unanimously agreed on need to combine the efforts of various civil groups in the country, reports Al-Seyassah daily.
Former lawmaker Mohammad Al-Saqer vowed to organize all the blocs under a common umbrella, after the Chamber of Commerce and Industry issue has been discussed, and “I will invite all the groups to a meeting for unification of efforts”. He dwelled into the history of national movement, saying it started during the tenure of Sheikh Salem Al-Mubarak.
At that period, people began to clamor for legislative authority to assist the government in decision making, and they were meeting at Diwaniya Al-Bader after the demise of Sheikh Salem, demanding political reform through the directives of Sheikh Ahmad Al-Jaber. He hinted the meeting involved traders and tribesmen who ensured sectarian and tribal rifts were controlled.

Firm
In her remark, MP Dr Aseel Al-Awadhi affirmed the national movement stood firm against abortive political activities in Kuwait. She cautioned that some people are trying to create a new class of traders to serve their own interests.
She went on saying the National Movement has clear objectives and does not compromise, indicating it is impossible to buy the group. She observed that each parliament is becoming nastier than the previous one because ‘conscience is on sale’. She stressed that parliamentary role is not solely about grilling or pursuing electoral successes, but to perform national duties.
Another speaker, MP Marzouq Al-Ghanim said the National Movement is the right foundation upon which everybody should gather, and described the group’s history as interesting and full of sacrifice. He argued the movement built Kuwait to become the “Gulf Bride” in 1960s and 1970s, and added the past is the cornerstone for building the future. He went on to describe the present situation as disgusting.

Weak
MP Saleh Al-Mulla agreed with the previous speakers on the fact that the National Movement has become weak and called for its resurrection. He noted the ministers no longer hold decision powers because the Deputy Premier for Economic, Housing and Development Affairs Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah holds the ace.
He criticized the method of implementing the KD 37 billion development plan, and reiterated the country is passing through a stage where people trade in loyalty, while the national wealth is distributed for personal interests.