KUWAIT CITY, Nov 30: HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah appointed Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah as prime minister on Wednesday and tasked him to form the new government.

Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, 63, was First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense since 2006. He succeeds Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammed Al-Sabah after the latter resigned from his post on Monday.

An Amiri decree was issued appointing Sheikh Jaber Al-Sabah to nominate members of the new Cabinet and notify the National Assembly.

“The National Assembly had been expected to be dissolved Wednesday but this action could not be taken because of a constitutional hitch,” sources told the Arab Times. They added that the Assembly will be dissolved but at a later date, when this ‘hitch’ has been overcome.

However, sources close to decision-makers told the Arab Times the Assembly will most likely be dissolved on Monday, to be followed by a call for fresh elections within the period stipulated in the Constitution. Sources said the election is expected to be held in January under the 10-constituency system. Sources explained the current system, which divides the country into five constituencies has been proven futile; hence, the return to 10 constituencies. The sources did not specify the new constituencies or the geographic divisions, but they said a decree in this regard will be issued soon. The aim of the modified electoral system is to eradicate the negative results of having five constituencies as was evident in the turn of events over the last few years, sources added.

A huge media campaign is expected to be launched to raise awareness amongst citizens on the importance of selecting the right candidates. Citizens will be urged to choose competent candidates with the ability to push the development wheels forward and effectively carry out their role in legislation and monitoring the government, away from escalation and friction, sources revealed.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Speaker of Parliament met with HH the Amir for consultations but refused to deny or confirm any news, saying all related matters will be announced by the Amiri Diwan.

HH the Amir also received on Wednesday at Bayan Palace former National Assembly speakers Ahmad Zeid Al-Sarhan and Ahmad Abdulaziz Al-Saadoun, as well as Al-Khorafi. The receptions were part of regular consultations held ahead of forming a new government.

Speaking to reporters, Al-Khorafi said he has not so far received any information on the dissolution of the Parliament, stressing that his meeting with HH the Amir was part of consultations that precede the formation of the new government.

When asked whether it is constitutional to dissolve the Parliament after accepting the government’s resignation, Al-Khorafi asserted, “Who can stop HH the Amir from using his powers?”
Meanwhile, the new Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak thanked HH the Amir for entrusting him with the task of forming the next government. He also praised his predecessor Sheikh Nasser Mohammad for his efforts, calling on the Kuwaitis to steadfastly stand by HH the Amir, work hard to rectify errors and overcome obstacles.

Moreover, Opposition Bloc member, Falah Al-Sawwagh, continued to stress until late Wednesday that the Parliament would be dissolved. He said the bloc has exerted all efforts to have the Parliament dissolved and that their new agenda will be announced following the appointment of the new PM.

Al-Sawwagh further said that the bloc will cease all activity in Al-Erada Square in respect for HH the Amir during this politically sensitive period.

Opposition member Naji Abdulhadi further assured of “comforting news” as reported by Al-Saadoun, who is also a member of the Opposition Bloc, following the meeting with HH the Amir. “If the assembly remains, it would be difficult for the new prime minister,” he said.

The assembly’s predicted dissolution will be the fourth since 2006, when Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammed Al-Sabah was appointed as PM. Extensive campaigns will be held by candidates until elections in two months time, expected next year on January 29.

Demands for the removal of Sheikh Nasser Al-Sabah and parliament dissolution have been escalated by opposition lawmakers and political alliances since the alleged discovery of deposits, amounting to millions of dinars, in MPs accounts, indicating money laundry and bribery.

Last Monday witnessed the largest rally by the opposition who asserted their inability to continue working with corrupt assembly members and insisted on parliament dissolution and the removal of the Cabinet. Subsequently, HH the Amir accepted the resignation of Sheikh Nasser Al-Sabah and his Cabinet.
Although news on the bribery and money laundering case remains confidential by the Central Bank and Public Prosecution, 33 protestors were arrested by the Ministry of Interior (MoI) for storming the parliament on Nov. 16. Nine activists were released on a KD 1,000 bail each, while 24 remain held at the Central Prison and continue on hunger strike, protesting what they say is their illegal detention.
A number of opposition MPs praised a decision by outgoing Minister of Interior, Sheikh Ahmed Al-Humoud Al-Sabah, on Wednesday to allow families to visit their detained relatives. They reiterated calls to drop all charges against the activists. A number, including controversial activist Abbas Al-Shaaby, were transferred to hospital due to health conditions.

Congratulations
His Highness Sheikh Nasser congratulated Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah on winning the Amiri trust for premiership.

“Sheikh Jaber has a well-deserved reputation as wise dedicated patriot; we pray for Almighty God to help him to continue serving the interests of our dear homeland,” HH Sheikh Nasser stressed.
HH Sheikh Nasser spoke highly of the members of the successive cabinets who shouldered the responsibilities of their respective portfolios and made great achievements in challenging and delicate conditions.

He also appreciated “the great efforts” made by Speaker of the National Assembly (parliament) Jassem Al-Khorafi to use his good offices in bringing the legislative and executive authorities to a point of convergence with a view to pushing forward the march of development.

“The stances of the respectable MPs were indicative of keenness on the interests of the country and will continue to be held in high esteem by every Kuwaiti,” he went on.

HH Sheikh Nasser also thanked the citizens who expressed sincere feelings towards him on several occasions, thus giving momentum for him and his government to do more efforts.

He urged the MPs and all nationals to understand the reality of the current delicate stage in the region and its impacts on the economic and security situations in Kuwait.

He also urged cementing the national unity, promoting the values of tolerance and mutual understanding, and working together for the security, welfare and prosperity of dear Kuwait under the wise leadership of HH the Amir and HH the Crown Prince.”