‘Constitution … Constitution’ – ‘Let MPs play their role’

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KUWAIT CITY, Feb 18: A total of 12 MPs signed a statement in response to the decree issued by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- Sabah to suspend the National Assembly sessions for 30 days. The MPs stressed that the heads of the executive and legislative authorities are responsible for worsening the crisis by manipulating the Constitution and challenging the people’s will.

They enumerated three ways to overcome the crisis as follows: respect the Constitution, allow the MPs to play their role and use their parliamentary tools, and activate the separation of powers principle.

The MPs emphasized the need to avoid dragging the judicial authority in political disputes to protect its dignity and maintain its status as a trustful haven for all parties. In conclusion, the MPs stressed that reform is possible only through social reconciliation and combating corruption.

The lawmakers who signed the statement include Muhammad Al-Mutair, Mubarak Al-Hajraf, Musaed Al-Ardi, Soud Bu Sleeb, Badr Al-Dahoum, Shuaib Al- Muwaizri, Thamer Al-Suwait, Marzouq Al-Khalifa, Abdulkareem Al-Kandari, Khalid Al- Otaibi, Fares Al-Otaibi and Al- SaifiMubarak Al-Saifi.

In a related development, several MPs reacted to the Amiri Decree on the suspension of parliamentary sessions for one month; while affirming their commitment to the Constitution and full respect for the decision which is part of the powers granted to His Highness the Amir as per the Constitution MP Yousef Al-Fadala emphasized the need for HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al- Khalid to fulfill his obligations, particularly the formation of the new government; regardless of the reasons behind the suspension of the sessions.

He said the new government formation must reflect the will of the public and meet the demands of the MPs. MP Muhammad Al-Mutair argued the suspension of the sessions will not end the crisis, unless social reconciliation is achieved and the Constitution is respected. MP Saleh Ziab Al-Mutairi affirmed his respect for the Amiri Decree, while clarifying that suspending the sessions does not prevent MPs from practicing their monitoring role and attending the meetings of committees to deliberate on bills in the interest of citizens.

MPs Musaed Al-Ardi, Thamer Al-Suwait and Khalid Al-Otaibi hinted on the possible dissolution of the Assembly; indicating they accept the decree as it is good to return to the people of Kuwait who will confirm their choice once again.

Al-Ardi asserted that dodging the grilling is not a solution, affirming he welcomes the idea of dissolving the Assembly as this puts the decision in the hands of the citizens who are the real source of power. MP Hamdan Al-Azmi inquired: “Until when the Assembly will be rejected if it does not satisfy the government. Does the Assembly not reflect the nation’s choice?”

On the other hand, MP Farz Al- Daihani submitted a proposal to increase by GBP500 the allowance for Kuwaitis studying in the United Kingdom – from GBP1,900 to GBP2,400 per month.

He also suggested granting clinic allowance to Pharmacology students, prioritize the vaccination of citizens studying in countries with high number of coronavirus cases, treat the students that the Civil Service Commission (CSC) sends abroad on scholarship as equal to those sent by the Ministry of Higher Education, launch direct Kuwait-Manchester flights to ease the burdens of those studying in North England, and lay down a clear mechanism for the accreditation of universities.

MP Fares Al-Otaibi proposed granting cash incentive to employees as compensation for the days off they did not take while in service – maximum 180 days salary. He explained his proposal aims to treat civilian employees like their military colleagues in line with the stipulation on justice and equality in the Constitution.

By Saeed Mahmoud Saleh Arab Times Staff

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