KUWAIT CITY, Sept 5: The publication of reports on the alleged deposit of KD 25 million into the accounts of some lawmakers in exchange for supporting the government has raised doubts on the parliamentary activities in Kuwait, reports Al-Wasat daily quoting a number of politician activists.
In a joint press statement, the political activists said the Parliament has been depicted as an institution engaged in commercial fraud, instead of playing its legislative and surveillance roles efficiently. They believe the spread of corruption in the executive and legislative authorities has created an environment for ‘breeding’ crooks, claiming some members of both institutions ratify laws in favor of corruption and others are in charge of the implementation.
While Kuwait is enmeshed in the quagmire of governmental and parliamentary corruption, the implementation of reform remains an elusive dream due to the poor performance of the two authorities. When HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah focused on corruption in his address to the nation on the occasion of the last 10 days of Ramadan, he proved that he is aware of the deteriorating situation in the government and Parliament, the statement added.
Holding the two authorities responsible for the spread of corruption in the country, the political activists alleged the legislature and executive have impeded the development and reform process, while discouraging people’s participation in the protection of public funds. They accused both authorities of encouraging various forms of corruption like bribery, discrimination, and violations against the Constitution and the law.
Asking the government and Parliament to push for the immediate approval of draft bills to at least control, if not eliminate, corruption, the political activists stressed the need to ratify important bills like the assets and liabilities declaration for officials, ministers and parliamentarians. They threatened to take serious steps in case the two authorities delay the approval of these proposals. They urged the civil societies to activate their role to guarantee the ratification and proper implementation of the bills. They also called for the formation of a panel to probe into the alleged deposit of KD 25 million into the accounts of pro-government lawmakers.