KUWAIT CITY, April 2: Certain groups in the local political arena were surprised when some MPs called for the re-appointment of His Highness Sheikh Nasser Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah as prime minister and asked him to form the new government. These groups consider such calls a flagrant interference in the jurisdiction of HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, especially since the MPs have not proposed any alternative as if these groups consider themselves as alternatives. This is the most dangerous incident that Kuwait has witnessed over the last 50 years. Figures within these groups believe such calls are futile and cannot withstand any political test of confidence, an indication that the sources of these calls cannot enforce their conditions or points of view on the internal affairs of state institutions.

In a related development, several highly reliable sources have been quoted as saying that the reappointment of Sheikh Nasser has been decided and settled. They said this step is to be followed by stricter implementation of laws and the Constitution. They consider this move as the main motive behind the scathing attack launched by a parliamentary group known for using ‘wasta’ (influence) or breaching the law to achieve personal goals. They went on to say that members of the group have lost a lot with Sheikh Nasser at the helm of the government, because he has always abided by the law and the Constitution. They claimed the group was also affected by Sheikh Nasser’s insistence on the enforcement of laws, regulations and ministerial decisions in government agencies, instead of hypocrisy or succumbing to grilling threats. This is especially true since the grilling has failed in intimidating and subjugating the government, sources pointed out.

The same sources added there was a radical change in ministerial and institutional behavior as a result of demands of MPs and most citizens to enforce the Constitution and law properly, as well as the continuous calls of the Amir to do the same. The change has foiled many attempts to approve transactions, projects or job appointments through ‘wasta’ by some MPs who do not know anything about parliamentary culture except to serve personal interests. The change has prompted the MPs to threaten submission of grilling requests and other intimidating but futile acts. The sources said these MPs used to enter ministries like peacocks since doors were opened and laws were broken for their sake. In those days, they did not see any problem with their violations that hindered Kuwait’s development and the implementation of vital projects. However, when major developmental projects are being implemented these days, and when the law is being enforced properly, they have started instigating political crises to impede the development process.

Sources have asserted the doors of the political leadership, starting from the office of the Amir to that of the premier, are open to all people. Citizens no longer need the influence of MPs, something the state had earlier envisioned as a tool to resolve public issues immediately. This approach is aimed at stemming bickering in Parliament. For example, the government has increased the salaries of the employees without waiting for the approval of MPs, in addition to the approval of new salary scales and expediting procedures to address the housing problem. If the latter was left in the hands of the MPs, it would have gone through suspicious deals and haggling. It would have aggravated the suffering of citizens, sources added.

Sources have also confirmed the social and health issues that have been excluded from the national budget are being resolved by the offices of the Amir and premier. They stressed the need not to avoid unnecessary ‘adventures’, considering the sensitive situation of the region. Childish political acts or electoral calculations of some MPs should not be allowed to control the path of governmental work. This is particularly crucial in the wake of some attempts to interfere in sensitive crimes to cover them up or go around the law. This is in addition to some ridiculous interpellation requests that are not in line with the Constitution and laws. These MPs have been trying to practise a parliamentary dictatorship and strip institutions of their powers. It leads to a situation where we have to choose between a strong state capable of carrying out its tasks or being at the mercy of parliamentary blackmailing that Kuwait has been suffering for a long time. We have all seen where such blackmailing has led the country to, and naturally the second alternative will not be our choice. Hence, the return of Sheikh Nasser to his post is necessary at this point to keep the state on the right path and ensure strict compliance with the Constitution and law despite the presence of some discordant voices trying to mislead the people, sources said.