Cabinet ‘stays’ as Assembly opens – Heated sessions seen

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KUWAIT CITY, Oct 28: Regarding the rumors circulating lately on social media about the dissolution of the Cabinet, the official government spokesperson Tareq Al-Mizrem informed official media outlets that these rumors lack any element of truth.

He affirmed that the current government’s tenure will continue, and the opening ceremony of the National Assembly will be held in accordance with the law and the established norm, starting with the opening speech of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. Meanwhile, Secretary General of the National Assembly Office Alam Al-Kandari assured that all preparations have been successfully carried out for the opening session of the fourth round of the 15th legislative term.

He indicated that the system used inside the Abdullah Al-Salem Chamber has been completely changed and updated, ensuring more seamless functionality for MPs and others concerned, adding that the National Guard met with representatives of the Amiri Guard to ensure every security protocol is in place to receive His Highness the Amir. Al-Kandari revealed that the opening session will address the interpellation submitted by MP Mohammed Hayef against the Minister of Finance Nayef Al-Hajraf, and the interpellation submitted by MP Omar Al-Tabtabaei against the Minister of Public Works and State Minister for Housing Affairs Jinan Boushahri.

Furthermore, the Legal and Legislative Committee said the interpellation submitted by MP Abdulkareem Al-Kandari in the last legislative round against His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak was unconstitutional, indicating that it will submit its report to the National Assembly for deliberations in this regard.

The interpellation was referred to the committee for constitutional revision as per the government’s request. The committee was only now able to complete its report and issue its final verdict on the matter. The National Assembly is still required to address this matter during an official session once it has been added to the agenda.

Also, MP Saleh Ashour expressed optimism concerning the upcoming legislative round, describing it as “heated” in terms of legislation and supervisory actions. He indicated that some of the most prominent bills expected to be passed during this round is the pension substitution bill, the leave-days substitution bill and the cancellation of loans.

Also, the National Assembly is expected to elect a new head for the State Audit Bureau during its opening session. However, some MPs expressed strong objection to electing candidates from outside the bureau particularly MP Abdulkareem Al-Kandari who asserted that he will fully object such motions for a position that is extremely technical and in no way political, due to which assigning a person from outside the bureau undermines its capability and weakens its position as a monitory establishment. In addition, MP Adel Al-Adsani, commenting on his recently submitted interpellation against the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Lt-Gen Sheikh Khaled Al-Jarrah, asserted that such an action is warranted, as the Kuwaiti public retains the right to know about the government’s severe shortcomings and squandering of public funds; therefore, it is vital for the interpellation to be addressed publicly.

He said, although his interpellation consists of only one point, it carries several articles that comprehensively address the financial violations in Ministry of Interior and the weak performances of the Criminal Investigations Department in addressing the financial violations of suspected individuals.

By Ahmed Al-Naqeeb Arab Times Staff

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