No unilateral decision to be taken on economic reforms: Al-Ghanim

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KUWAIT CITY, Jan 11: The government has no intention to issue one-sided decisions on lifting subsidies and the economic reforms that the State intends to implement will not affect ordinary citizens, says National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim. Al-Ghanim revealed he had earlier met His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak who confirmed that the government will not take any decision regarding the economy on its own.

He pointed out this issue must be discussed at the Parliament where the government should present its ideas and work with the legislature in order to find the best solution. He admitted, “We are facing difficulties but we can overcome them without touching the income of citizens, especially the ordinary people.”

He disclosed that his meeting with the prime minister focused on the need to implement economic reforms which should be discussed in an open session and in a clear manner for the sake of the entire populace.

He also stressed the need to address the imbalance in the State budget, as it is not wise to push the nation into bankruptcy; lamenting the country is now facing the consequences of the wrong decisions taken over a long period. In another development, Al- Ghanim confirmed the right of Health Minister Dr Ali Al- Obeidi to seek for adjournment the debate on his interpellation slated for Tuesday. He said the minister can request for postponement of the grilling without referring to the Parliament.

MPs Hamdan Al-Azmi and Rakan Al-Nisf had previously presented an interpellation motion against the minister on the financial and administrative violations in his ministry. According to the speaker, many of the draft laws which were not completed in the last session will be approved on Tuesday, including the Public Authority for Anti-Corruption and financial disclosure bills.

Relations
On the visit of Iraqi Parliament Speaker Dr Salim al-Jubouri, Al-Ghanim clarifi ed the visit is aimed at strengthening relations between the Kuwaiti and Iraqi parliaments. He said this is part of al-Jubouri’s official tour in the region in preparation for the Conference of the Parliamentary Union of Member States of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) in Baghdad. He explained the talks include coordination in determining the appropriate time to host the conference, stating that the Kuwaiti parliamentary delegation confirmed attendance at the level of the presidency. He affirmed the two sides agreed on a number of issues, especially the fight against terrorism.

Meanwhile, Rapporteur of Legislative and Legal Committee MP Ahmad Al-Qudaibi has confirmed the panel’s approval of the Public Authority for Anti-Corruption Draft Law. He said the MPs are aware of the importance of combating corruption and the pivotal role that the authority will play in addressing the problem.

He disclosed the most important amendment is the stipulation on the reinstatement of the authority’s employees. On the other hand, Chairman of the Legislative Committee MP Mubarak Al-Haris expressed objection to the government’s plan to sell income- generating companies. He wondered why the government is contemplating such a step, considering the demand for diversification of income sources. He added the government must support the stock market and shares of Kuwaiti companies, because they are considered the savings of citizens. He urged the government to protect the savings of citizens before increasing the prices of some commodities.

By Abubakar A. Ibrahim Arab Times Staff

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