PM hopes to rejuvenate economy – Education, illegals seen as priorities

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ENORMOUS RESPONSIBILITIES AT SIGNIFICANT JUNCTURE

KUWAIT CITY, Dec 3: Kuwait is a nation of “firm laws and uncompromising justice”, where anyone convicted will be held accountable, the country’s Prime Minister His Highness Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah said on Monday, reports KUNA.

In an interview with editors-in-chief of local newspapers and media outlets, including KUNA’s Chairman and Director General Sheikh Mubarak Al-Duaij Al-Sabah, the Premier cited His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah’s “explicit instructions” over efforts to fight corruption and protect public funds, a plan the Kuwaiti government is intent on bringing to fruition, he said.

It is incumbent upon the government to take His Highness the Amir’s words to heart, Kuwait’s new prime minister emphasized, saying that his previous position as foreign minister is unlike the responsibilities he now has to take over.

On the fight against corruption, His Highness said it entails “collective efforts” on the part of the government and citizens alike, calling on his fellow compatriots to report to concerned bodies any information they may have on corruption cases.

On forming a new government, the top minister said the process would take place in due course, pointing out that any political and parliamentary endeavor should be undertaken by those with the knowhow needed to navigate through hardship.

He said that, at times, lawmakers “defy logic,” promising that as soon as a new government is formed, he would immediately start working with ministers and officials to achieve the county’s development plans, saying his diplomatic experience would serve him well.

On the new government’s priorities, he listed education and the status of Kuwait’s illegal residents as matters that would ultimately take precedence, in addition to plans that aim to “rejuvenate” the national economy, adding that the country has “high hopes” in the face of harsh realities.

Kuwait is on the cusp of a significant juncture marked by the formation of a new government that will assume an “enormous amount of responsibilities,” as he urged the ministers to be chosen to perform their duties competently.

On the relationship between the government and Parliament, the prime minister said it is largely a “political affair”, clarifying that it should not come at the expense of public funds or the welfare of the state. The prime minister went on to pin high hopes on the upcoming Gulf summit slated for next week in the Saudi capital Riyadh, saying the talks could help usher in a period of positive change. Meanwhile, MP Muhammad Al-Dallal has submitted a proposal to the National Assembly regarding the Court of Cassation’s ruling on the appointment of experts at the Experts Department in the Ministry of Justice. Article One of the proposal states that the Civil Service Commission (CSC) should study court Decision No. 911 for the year 2019 in order to benefit from it in terms of the conditions and regulations which ensure equal opportunities and strengthen the rule of law.

Article Two mandates the CSC to enforce the rules stipulated in the decision on all public institutions in line with the principle of proper administration. The bill also states that the CSC should submit a comprehensive report to the Council of Ministers including its opinion on the abovementioned court verdict, especially the provisions and appointment mechanism that guarantee equality; as well as the need to amend the appointment regulations to prevent the cancellation of appointment decisions in the future.

MP Dr Muhammad Al-Hewailah has presented a bill on granting allowance to Dar Al-Qura’an graduates to enroll in the College of Sharia at Kuwait University. He pointed out that the Dar Al- Qura’an certificate is issued by the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, adding the latter equalizes this certifi- cate to the secondary stage certificate only in terms of the job.

He said Dar Al-Qura’an graduates whose certificates were issued two years ago or earlier are facing a problem in applying for admission to the university. He then suggested exempting these graduates from the two years condition, stressing the college is the only academic institution in Kuwait which grants bachelor’s certificate in Islamic Sharia.

He added the ministries of Awqaf, Islamic Affairs, Education and Higher Education must take the necessary procedures to exempt these graduates from the condition of applying for admission to the college two years from the date of obtaining the certificate.

On the other hand, MP Dr Abdulkareem Al-Kandari criticized the lack of attention given to Kuwaiti innovators and researchers such as Dr Meshari Al- Mutairi in spite of their achievements which reflect positively on Kuwait.

He asserted it is no longer surprising if these innovators and researchers are being neglected because some senior officials were appointed based on favoritism and ‘wasta’ (influence); hence, they are not aware of the importance of Science and scientists.

By Saeed Mahmoud Saleh Arab Times Staff and Agencies

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