Rights, Islamic identity leading issues

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Al-Hashem spotlights corruption

KUWAIT CITY, Dec 26: MPs took turns in highlighting the biggest issues that the country is currently facing during deliberations on the Amiri speech in the parliamentary session Wednesday.

These issues include the gridlock on the situation of Bedouns as some MPs believe this is not a priority for the government despite the directives given by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- Sabah at the inauguration of the National Assembly’s third session in the fifth legislative term.

MP Mohammed Hayef pointed out the advice on protecting human rights, the Islamic identity and humanitarian efforts has been a constant in most Amiri speeches, but the country still suffers from shortcomings in this area – whether the Bedoun issue, cancellation of citizenship or incarceration of political activists for voicing their opinions.

He affirmed that political tools will be used in combating corruption, “for we will not sit here with our hands in our pockets.’’ Another issue raised in the session was about the billions of Kuwaiti dinars granted to foreign governments while Kuwaitis continue to suffer due to inability to pay their loans, rising prices of basic commodities, and stagnation of entertainment centers in the country.

The MPs revealed KD 1.2 billion was granted to Jordan and Bahrain received KD 2 billion. MP Saleh Ashour stressed that billions of Kuwaiti dinars are being granted left and right while Kuwaitis are being crushed by their loans.

The MPs affirmed they are keen on approving the proposal to waive the loans of Kuwaitis in order to ease their financial burdens.

On the other hand, MP Safa Al- Hashem spotlighted the corruption in Touristic Enterprises Company (TEC), indicating the Entertainment City is now a ‘ghost town’ without any indication of being developed and reopened. She said tens of millions of Kuwaiti dinars are pumped into building canals in other countries, while the refurbishment of the Entertainment City will cost only KD 20 million maximum. She asserted the government is pushing for the establishment of a tourism authority, which is pointless considering the level of corruption at TEC. She added TEC has been receiving a large number of notifications and warnings from the State Audit Bureau, “yet the seafront entertainment areas continue to deteriorate.”

By Ahmed Al-Naqeeb Arab Times Staff

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