IN Islamic literature, Friday is one of the most beloved days for Almighty Allah. It is known to have an hour when supplications are guaranteed to be accepted by the Lord above. The day before yesterday was a decisive Friday as far as the speech of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad-Al-Jaber Al-Sabah is concerned. It ended the hijacking of the State by the absurdity that prevailed for 32 years; during which we heard nothing but empty noises, absurd disputes and conflicts that did not provide anything beneficial for development.
All of this was being done for the sake of personal interests, which led to decline of the economy, closure of the country and increased squandering of public funds, as if it were the cave of Ali Baba and a thousand thieves.
This is because they made laws that, at the outset, were out of concern for society; but inwardly, they were working towards the adoption of laws to rule minds. At some point, they were seen as guardians or visionary leaders, as the society is composed of people who have been polluted by ego and are fixated with having power at any cost. Anyone who opposed these people, demanded that these laws be amended, that the legislative system be modernized to serve the country or that the Constitution be amended for the better would be punished and subjected to the harshest curses. It is as if the text they wrote or the Constitution, is divine and it is forbidden to think about amending it.
For 32 years, the country lived under legislative chaos based on reform in various ways, but not to serve the State and the Kuwaitis. People were complaining about the situation that the country has reached. This is a phenomenon that the country witnessed for the first time, not even in the two previous instances of suspending some articles of the Constitution. It was completely different from what we witnessed in recent months -- in terms of the absurdity that was deflating the country. All of this was not part of the Constitution, which was drawn up by Kuwaitis keen on putting the State among the ranks of modern states in all fields, and to obtain leadership in the region.
However, what happened after that was those who came after were among the most disappointing people. They neither followed in the footsteps of their forefathers nor behaved with the authentic morals that Kuwaitis have been nurtured with for nearly 400 years. Instead, they began working to bend everything to their interests, such that idiocy prevailed, instead of work.
Addressing the people of Kuwait, His Highness said: “The unhealthy atmosphere that the country experienced in previous years led to the spread of corruption, which reached most State facilities. It rather reached the security and economic institutions, and even affected the justice facility, which is a refuge for people to preserve their rights and freedoms, so that it will always remain a beacon of light, a protector of rights and a guardian of freedoms.”
Therefore, the overwhelming support for the measures taken by His Highness indicated that they were more than necessary to get the country out of its predicament. It was also an honest adjustment to the path of the State, which must rise from its decline. Behind the states that rose were decisive and determined leaders. Such a leader could not see the shovels of demolition striking everywhere. Indeed, renaissance sometimes calls for painful treatment. This is the recipe followed by all the great leaders who help their nation at all times, leading their countries with determination and firmness. That is why we say to His Highness the Amir: “Now your people feel that our country has a wise leader.
Today, we feel that the country’s affairs are calming down, as long as it is reformed. If you take office, then the evil ones will not be obeyed. “Our Amir, may Almighty Allah bless your decision, which came after patience and long consideration. From your speech, we feel that our country is facing peace and security, and may Almighty Allah protect you to continue your path in preserving the security and prosperity of Kuwait. “May Allah bless your orders and decisions. You have heard, O the Merciful One, the voice of your people and their groaning after they have been inflicted with wounds. This is why today is a day of joy for all the measures you have taken.” Yes, the Kuwaitis were complaining about their guardian, who was forbearing to the point that some adventurers described him as weak, and that making room for reform within institutions would mean more chaos and infringement on the measures taken. That is why the right, painful treatment was necessary, and that is why for the first time, we are facing a ruler who has the determination to implement reforms, whatever the cost.
By Ahmed Al-Jarallah
Editor-in-Chief, the Arab Times
[email protected]
