KUWAIT CITY, Oct 26: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah inaugurated the third session of the National Assembly’s thirteenth legislative term on Tuesday warning that the “irresponsible and self-serving behavior” currently occurring in the political scene is subject to condemnation, the law, and will not be tolerated by any member of this society. He also warned against political chaos and sectarian tensions.

“Our destiny is to maintain our democratic system, defend it and protect it from any hindrance to its values and any disruption of our national unity. Some have taken advantage of the privileged atmosphere of freedom to insult our national values, so much that irresponsible behavior, sensationalism, doubt and over-reaction has become substitute to the law,” the Amir said.

“There are limits that all must comply with ... Law must be fully respected otherwise things become chaotic ... putting at risk our national security and national unity,” he added.

The new term begins amidst threats by MPs to grill various ministers, including the prime minister, for alleged corruption as well as sectarian tensions and political disagreements. Issues under dispute include the draft law for the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) and the KD 30 billion developmental plan with many pending legislation vital for the implementation of development projects.
Sheikh Al-Sabah stressed the need to abide by the Constitution and the law in every aspect, advising both the executive and legislative authorities — the government and the parliament — to stick to their own competencies and cooperate together to serve the interests of this country above all else.

“This cooperation has resulted in the approval of the developmental plan during the last session and we are all looking forward to further achievements,” he said noting that, from this, there will be added hope for the youth of Kuwait to be brought up responsible, loyal and able to meet the demands of this age.

The Amir asserted that the law should be fully respected, urging the Parliament, Cabinet, institutions, as well as individuals to combat extremism which aim to obstruct democracy and will result in severe negative consequences to Kuwait.

“We have to realize that, even though we are a small country, we are not isolated from any regional or international conflicts and are affected by it. Therefore we should unite in dispelling anything that can harm our national interests,” Sheikh Al-Sabah added. He also warned of ‘mischievous plots’ targeting the foundations of society and attempts to plunge the country into “religious  and political conflicts”.
The Amir commented on those who seek to use the media to make baseless claims about sensitive issues, “saying whatever they want, to whomever they want, at any time and without any evidence.” He warned that those actions will not be allowed to continue as the law and Constitution will govern the movement of all aspects of this society.

Addressing the audience on his part, Speaker of Parliament, Jassem Al-Khorafi stressed the need for cooperation between the legislative and executive authorities in order to meet the challenges of the term headstrong.

He expressed disappointment regarding the current political performance as the “national work keeps going from crisis into another crisis, dimming the hope for the future.”

“Kuwait’s strategic vision until 2035 refers to this and has outlined the tough upcoming challenges and warned of the consequences of remaining in the same path. The public and private sectors still suffer from the consequences of the global economic crisis therefore we should effectively and quickly improve our financial performance to meet our future needs,” added Al-Khorafi.

He indicated that the vital education, health, housing, and infrastructure sectors of Kuwait, essential for economic growth and development, have all been put on halt, “therefore speedy actions should be undertaken to prevent any further delays.”

“We do not want to find ourselves at the starting point at the end of the next term. The government and parliament should work together to ensure that the developmental plan will achieve the desired results,” said Al-Khorafi.

Speaking on the recent infringement of privileged freedoms under the democratic system, Al-Khorafi stressed that with freedom comes great responsibility. He asserted that “the decision of the majority must be respected and the rights of the minority must be preserved.”

Al-Khorafi criticized the recent breaches done by various MPs and warned against interfering in the judicial system and doubting it and of the dangers of using threats and intimidation as a political discourse.

“Executive decisions should be respected and supported on the basis of government solidarity. It is not acceptable that they be met with disagreements and disputes as is witnessed today,” he said.
Speaking on regional issues, Al-Khorafi expressed the keenness of Kuwait to establish positive relations with Iraq and to continue to work on establishing security and peace in the region.
Al-Khorafi announced that the next parliamentary session will be held on Tuesday, Nov 2.
Meanwhile, His Highness the Prime Minister, Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammed Al-Sabah, reflected on the recent events of the past summer. He commented on the rogue Shiite cleric, Yasser Al-Habib, commending the actions of legislative and executive authorities that thwarted his “malicious behavior” by stripping him of his Kuwaiti citizenship.

He urged both authorities to put a stop to any actions that threaten national unity and security. “We want a course of correction and self-criticism in order to preserve our present and our future,” he said, calling for a “consecration of the state of law ... as there is no voice louder than the voice of the law.”
On the issue of Bedoun (stateless residents), the Prime Minister said that the Supreme Council for Planning and Development was directed to form a committee in order to provide solutions and mechanisms of cooperation. He spoke about the features of the state developmental plan which currently include 884 projects.

Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammed, urged the legislative and executive authorities to maintain a positive dialogue and benefit from past experiences in order not to repeat past mistakes.
Meanwhile, the National Assembly on Tuesday voted for MP Ali Al-Rashid as its Secretary and MP Dr Ali Al-Omair as Supervisor after the withdrawal MP Dr Salwa Al-Jassar.
The Assembly also elected members of its permanent and temporary committees, dispelling speculations on the abolition of temporary panels in this round. However, a majority of the lawmakers voted against the retention of the Youth and Sports Committee, while a new temporary panel on the environment and nuclear energy was formed.
MP Adel Al-Saraawi alleged Deputy Premier for Economic Affairs and State Minister for Housing and Development Affairs Sheikh Ahmad Fahd Al-Sabah is behind the abolition of the Youth and Sports Committee. He also stressed the need to reinstate the committee, since it had earlier played a crucial role in the local sports sector.
Agreeing with his colleague, MP Marzouq Al-Ghanem called for the re-establishment of the panel but MP Khalaf Dumaitheer quickly opposed this call, claiming some lawmakers are pushing for the formation of certain temporary panels to serve personal interests and settle scores.
MP Saleh Al-Mulla, on the other hand, believes the abolition of the committee is a ploy to cover up flaws and corruption in the sports sector.