KUWAIT CITY, April 3: MP Khalaf Al-Dumaitheer has outrightly rejected a signature campaign launched by the Kafi (Enough) Youth Movement against the reappointment of Sheikh Nasser Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah as the prime minister.

Asserting the campaign contravenes the Constitution and is an interference in the jurisdiction of HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Al-Dumaitheer said the lawmakers have the right to express their opinion on the appointment of the premier and formation of the new government in the Abdullah Al-Salem Hall but only the Amir has the right to select the premier in accordance with Article 56 of the Constitution. He affirmed his confidence in anyone the Amir chooses as prime minister, alleging that those who have been campaigning against the latter’s reappointment have yet to learn from their previous experiences. He believes a majority of the Kuwaitis want the return of Sheikh Nasser to the prime minister post.

On the other hand, MP Dr Faisal Al-Muslim disclosed he is against the reappointment of Sheikh Nasser, who should apologize to the Amir for putting personal interests over national welfare as was evident in the number of grilling requests submitted against him. He said he recognizes the right of everyone to express their opinion on the affairs of the nation, including the youths behind the signature campaign, as stipulated in Articles 45 and 46 of the Constitution.

Wondering why some of his colleagues have called for the reappointment of a premier who has not had any major achievement since his appointment five years ago, Al-Muslim stressed, “We are merely expressing our opinions on the stagnation, failure of institutions and favoritism that have impeded the implementation of the development plan. The Amir has the sole jurisdiction to appoint the premier after traditional consultations with the former prime ministers, speakers of the Parliament and leaders of political groups. We fully trust his ability to choose a qualified head of the Cabinet.”

 In another development, the Interior and Defense Committee discussed the draft bills presented by MPs Ahmad Al-Saadoun, Saleh Ashour and Saadoun Hammad on the transformation of Kuwait into a single constituency.

Admitting the panel needs more time to finalize deliberations on the bills, Committee Rapporteur MP Salem Al-Namlan revealed the committee also tackled 23 other proposals, such as allowing the military personnel to grow their beard, adding exit and entry points in various areas, and ways to address the traffic problem.
Al-Namlan also emphasized the need for everyone to remain calm amidst the escalating tension in the local and regional political arenas, hoping the next government will consist of technocrats to end the political crisis.
Moreover, Social and Health Affairs Committee Rapporteur Saleh Al-Ashour disclosed the panel has put the final touches on the overseas medical treatment issue. He said the panel, in its meeting Sunday, considered the recommendations of the official bodies, particularly the ministries of Health, Interior and Defense, in preparing its preliminary report. He added the committee will most likely discuss the report in its meeting on Tuesday.