MPs hail Amir for Gulf unity efforts – ‘Reform vital’

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KUWAIT BACKS POLITICAL SOLUTION TO YEMEN CRISIS

KUWAIT CITY, Dec 26: Members of the National Assembly on Tuesday praised His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for his keenness to hold the Gulf Summit as scheduled and hosting the 23rd Arabian Gulf Cup, stressing this refl ects his dedication towards Gulf reunification.

The lawmakers made the statement during the ordinary session on the Amiri speech at the inauguration of the second ordinary session of the 15th legislative term. They also stressed the importance of diversifying sources of income and lessening dependence on oil as a single source of income to boost the economy through sustainable growth. They called for focusing on the economic reform program, stopping financial wastage in the government and speeding up the implementation of major development projects which will generate jobs for Kuwaiti youths.

They pointed out as well the need to maintain national unity, concerted efforts to face external challenges and dangers, and cooperation between the executive and legislative authorities in the implementation of laws concerning citizens. During the session, MP Faisal Al-Kandari highlighted the tremendous efforts exerted by His Highness the Amir to achieve Gulf reunification, as well as the role of the legislative and executive authorities in this regard. He asserted this role must be within the framework outlined by His Highness the Amir, indicating the two authorities must avoid anything that might affect their relationship negatively.

He asked State Minister for Housing and Services Affairs Jinan Mohsin Ramadan to follow the plan of former minister Yasser Aboul who has done a lot in resolving the housing issue. He also called for a special session to discuss the comments of the State Audit Bureau (SAB). On the other hand, MP Riyadh Al-Adsani argued that the formation of a committee to revise interpellation motions is unacceptable. He asked the speaker to stand on neutral ground when dealing with interpellations rather than siding with the government as it happened in the previous legislature. He pointed out there are confl icts between sheikhs, traders and MPs — claiming the completion of transactions is the source of corruption and any minister who accepts such behavior is part of corruption.

He added, “Illegal dealing is not allowed and the Budget Committee will not tolerate misappropriation of public funds.” MP Abdul-Wahab Al-Babtain warned that the government will be held accountable if it does not address questionable calculations.

He alleged some officials suspected of wrongdoing are leaving the country like the one who embezzled social security funds. He added the law on conflict of interests addresses the issue of MPs and there is no room to incriminate a lawmaker on anything he presents in Abdullah Al-Salem Hall similar to what happened to former MP Faisal Muslim.

MP Mohammed Al-Dalal stressed the need to correct the decree on the Anti-Corruption Authority in 2012 because it is flawed. He warned the government that “it will pay a high price for any attempt to weaken the interpellation tool. Reform does not mean weakening the National Assembly and depriving it of oversight and accountability powers.” In addition, the Assembly endorsed two letters during its deliberation on incoming documents and letters as follows:

■ Letter from Education, Culture and Guidance Affairs Committee Chairman MP Auda Al-Ruwei requesting referral of the proposal of MP Jaman Al-Harbash to establish the Students Fund to Financial and Economic Affairs Committee pursuant to Article 99 of the Assembly’s bylaws.

■ Letter from the Education, Culture and Guidance Affairs Chairman MP Auda Al-Ruwei requesting submission of the committee’s 25th report on the proposal of MP Saleh Ashour to the Economic and Financial Affairs Committee pursuant to Article 58 of Assembly’s bylaws.

The Assembly also deliberated on a letter from MP Faisal Al-Kandari requesting discussion of the congested roads issue with the relevant State institutions in order to find appropriate solutions. National Speaker Marzouq Ali Al-Ghanim adjourned the regular session which will continue at 9:00 am on Wednesday.

By Abubakar A. Ibrahim Arab Times Staff

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