Panel nod to poll shift, expat health fees

This news has been read 7783 times!

KUWAIT CITY, Jan 17: The Parliament’s Legal and Legislative Committee on Tuesday approved several proposals including amendment of the electoral system and Health Insurance Law, as well as the establishment of a public company for building water desalination and power plants. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Committee Chairman MP Mohammed Al-Dallah disclosed the proposed amendment of the electoral system stipulates having five districts with each eligible voter choosing two candidates. The committee affirmed that the proposal is legal and constitutional, he added.

Proposals
Other proposals approved by the committee are as follows: protection of retirees’ pension, amendment of the law on premarital screening test to include criminal record, requiring job applicants to submit a medical report stating they are free from any disease, laying down regulations for health insurance, imposing additional fees for public health services offered to expatriates, and inclusion of Bedoun military personnel in the pension plan.

Meanwhile, National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al- Ghanim presided over the Parliament Office on Tuesday. According to Parliament Secretary MP Auda Al-Ruwaiei, they discussed a number of incoming letters about administrative matters and the suggestion to broadcast parliamentary sessions on the Internet which was rejected because it violates Section 69 of the Parliament’s international regulations. Al-Ruwaei disclosed the Parliament intends to expand community participation and to open doors for interaction between the legislature, civil society institutions and individuals by holding special seminars on topics and issues that concern the community in addition to laws. He went on to say the Parliament will conduct a survey for the people to participate in setting priorities for the 15th legislative term.

Adopted
He added the office also adopted the agenda for the meeting on Jan 31, 2017 such as continuation of discussion on the response to the Amiri Address, lifting of immunity requests, and the interpellation motion against Information Minister and State Minister for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Al-Humoud Al-Sabah. Moreover, Al-Ruwaei said the office tackled lawsuits concerning the supposed invalidity of the current Parliament. He revealed the office instructed Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee Chairman MP Mohammed Al-Dallal to follow up the issue and prepare a report in this regard.

By Abubakar A. Ibrahim Arab Times Staff

This news has been read 7783 times!