MP slams deficit – Government blamed

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KUWAIT CITY, July 16: MP Saleh Ashour has attributed the budget deficit to governmental procedures; citing issues related to consultations, research, missions, committees, excellent job performance incentive and tenders which he considers wastage of public funds because these are unnecessary expenditures.

He urged his fellow MPs to present relevant proposals and the parliamentary committees to submit their reports to the Parliament, hoping for the passage of draft laws beneficial to citizens regardless of the opinion of the government.

He affirmed the lawmakers will take constitutional steps in case the government returns draft laws, which serve the interests of citizens, to the Parliament. He added the military, social and public assistance draft laws will be ratified in the next legislative round.

Meanwhile, MP Hamdan Al-Azmi has criticized the government for not taking care of its relationship with MPs as manifested in its decision to return the draft law on the bonus of military personnel. He pointed out this is not a good gesture while the budget deficit pretext is no longer working, so it is better for the government to quickly address the questionable expenditures amounting to KD3.8 billion.

He urged the government to find a better way of dealing with the Parliament, considering it is unreasonable to reject a draft law which serves the interests of citizens. He added, “We have our constitutional tools and the next legislative round will not end without real accountability on the part of the government.”

On the other hand, MP Khalid Al- Damkhi stressed the need for the government to stop wastage as it usually happens in ministries and other State institutions. He pointed out that having clean hands and the elimination of those involved in corruption are regarded as the biggest ‘savings’ for the country.

He said a country that achieved economic and investment progress started with the appointment of trustworthy individuals who stayed away from theft, corruption and selfinterest. He argued the financial demands are reasonable, stressing that the privileges for noncommissioned and military officers are overdue especially since the government’s decision in this regard does not apply to them.

He added a genuine desire to address the budget deficit should begin with stopping wastage in State institutions, combating corruption, holding accountable those involved in corruption, diversifying sources of income and activating the role of the private sector

By Abubakar A. Ibrahim Arab Times Staff

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