Oversight key as candidates lament decline
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KUWAIT CITY, Nov 6: Kuwait’s economic and development fields continue to deteriorate due to the absence of a clear vision and failure of the government to take sound economic decisions as stated in a number of global financial indices, competitiveness reports and economic studies, says Third Constituency candidate Hussein Al-Dallal.
He pointed out the government did not support the private sector after the global economic crisis in 2008 as it rather focused on the public sector — a manifestation of its failure to manage the economy which led to stagnation and limitation of the role of the private sector. He said financial mismanagement was evident when the dissolved Parliament adopted the economic reform policy of the government. He claimed that with the support of former MPs, the government targeted the citizens’ pockets after mishandling the State budget and the global oil price decline, instead of stopping the wastage of public money and corruption which has become a plague in the country.
He urged the government to improve the economy, sustain the private sector, diversify sources of income and support the Kuwaiti youth. He said the next government must manage the economy well by reviewing the economic reform document to ensure revitalization of the private sector and protection of citizens. Meanwhile, Fifth Constituency candidate and former MP Abdullah Ibrahim Al-Tamimi believes the next phase will witness the birth of a powerful National Assembly that is capable of addressing issues concerning citizens.
He affirmed his willingness to serve all Kuwaitis in general and the Fifth Constituency residents in particular, without any regard for personal interests as he did in the 2013 Parliament. On the participation of the Opposition in the elections, Al-Tamimi said the next Parliament will see the efforts of those who honor the voters’ trust. He hopes those who boycotted the previous elections will come to serve the nation and its people.
He also appealed to everyone to open a new page in order to realize the goals of Kuwait and to refrain from taking steps deemed detrimental to the nation. Asked about his intention to submit an interpellation motion on the gasoline price hike, Al-Tamimi stressed he took a firm position on the issue from the beginning. He added the next Parliament will be different from its predecessor because the political atmosphere will contribute to efforts to take firm decisions related to ministers who neglected the interests of citizens.
Second Constituency candidate Hamad Al-Matar is of the view that Kuwait needs “complete overhaul” to ensure that the executive and legislative authorities complement each other. “The Parliament must not be used as a tool to carry out the wishes of the government, while the legislative and oversight roles are neglected,” he added.
He said Kuwait is now passing through a very dangerous and delicate phase due to its dependence on oil as the source of income, considering oil is a depletable resource while the cost of extracting oil is high and the inability to increase local oil consumers. He then stressed the need for quick actions to repair and protect the economic path for the future generations.
By Abubakar A. Ibrahim Arab Times Staff
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