PM vows to fire officials who won’t implement cuts – Our vision rules

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KUWAIT CITY, Feb 14: His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Mubarak Al- Hamad Al-Sabah stressed that any official who does not implement the policy of spending rationalization will be fired “regardless how senior he is.” This came on Sunday during a meeting of Parliament’s financial committee to discuss reforming economic situations.

His Highness the Premier said he would take this move immediately against “careless officials,” noting that there is no place “among us” for any official failing to achieve “our vision” in cutting spending. “We can’t make reforms as long as there is a government body failing to achieve the government’s policy,” the Premier said, urging all officials to begin taking steps in this regard without affecting the rights of citizens and the future generations.

He called on all MPs to take the country’s interest into consideration, saying “we only want to implement spending rationalizations.” His Highness the Premier extolled last week’s parliamentary session which discussed economic situations, and speeches of MPs which were in favor of Kuwait’s interest. During that session, he said, “I remembered late Kuwaiti Amir Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem who underlined while opening Al-Salam Palace” that spending cuts were necessary during tough economic conditions.

The Premier also lauded speech of Speaker of National Assembly Marzouq Al-Ghanim during the session when he stressed the importance of materializing the vision of His Highness the Amir. Al-Ghanim stressed the need to face all economic challenges in order to achieve the desired economic balance, affirming the reformative measures will not be at the expense of ordinary citizens. Speaking to reporters Sunday after attending the Financial and Economic Affairs Committee meeting in the presence of His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak and some ministers, Al-Ghanim warned that it will be disastrous for citizens if the current situation continues without implementing a comprehensive economic reform.

He disclosed they discussed the economic challenges as the Parliament Office had earlier tasked the committee to closely follow up the issue. He said all economic solutions that will be presented in these meetings will not have a negative impact on ordinary citizens. He affirmed, “We are determined to face economic challenges especially since the Parliament triumphed over many political difficulties, especially when some people bet on its failure.” He said the Parliament succeeded in addressing the housing problem from the beginning, indicating “If our destiny is to address errors of previous parliaments and governments, it may be the wisdom of God that put us in this position at this particular time. We cannot continue as a State on the same economic pattern which depends on the sale of oil to pay salaries.”

He pointed out the continuation of economic imbalance might lead to bankruptcy in the short term, not the long term. “We will be clear and transparent with all citizens on the fact that the continuation of the current situation will cause harm to them,” he added. He clarified the situation is not a matter of lifting subsidies or not, since it is just a small part of the desired solution. He said the most important steps include addressing economic flaws and reviewing revenues and expenses. “We are talking about an integrated economic package to stop wastage in several ministries and State institutions, such as increasing citizens’ income without creating a burden on the government, as well as the rationalization of expenditures without affecting the ordinary citizens,” he asserted.

He announced another meeting will be held on Saturday to further discuss the issue and all concerned authorities will be invited like the Economic Committee of the Higher Council for Planning and the State Audit Bureau which presents reports on the failures of government agencies. He stressed no final decision will be taken without the involvement of civil society. On the other hand, Chairman of the parliamentary Economic and Financial Affairs Committee MP Faisal Al-Kandari said the meeting was aimed at addressing economic imbalances. He affirmed the government’s plan will be in accordance with the timetable for economic reforms, stressing the committee is keen on serving the interests of citizens. He added a plan will be laid down soon for the benefit of citizens, pointing out that “Today’s meeting focused on the outline so the technical matters were not discussed. All MPs are keen on cooperating with the government in terms of protecting the rights of citizens.”

By Abubakar A. Ibrahim Arab Times Staff and Agencies

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