Political leadership: Excuse us for underlining the reality
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LET us admit that Kuwait is suffering from a number of economic problems, some of which are due to the failure and inaction of previous governments; while others are due to the lack of serious preparation for any emergency, globally and regionally.
Therefore, it is very important to have a realistic vision on how to address these problems in order not to remain moribund. If oil prices rise, the country rejuvenates. If oil prices decline, we fall into turmoil.
It is suicidal to continue the pattern that prevailed from the 1950s to the 1980s, because circumstances have changed.
If the era of HH the late Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem was characterized by the distribution of wealth to citizens through the valorization of homes; then it was a necessary at the time, considering the population was small and the country was in dire need of modernization and urban renaissance, as well as the establishment of industrial and agricultural infrastructure.
This was the case especially after the exceptional situation during World War II, when food was distributed through ration cards, due to the lack of even a minimum level of agriculture and industry.
The governments of HH Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem, Sheikh Sabah Al-Salem and Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad followed this despite the local, regional and international crises. HH the late Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad maintained the development path as planned and built modern institutions.
After the death of Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad, Kuwait witnessed 19 governments, all of which did not give development the required importance; because they focused on battles with the National Assembly over minor matters.
These governments were mired in interpolations and striking deals to save this or that minister, or to protect the Prime Minister from parliamentary accountability. This in addition to the MPs’ control over decision-making joints in the country; which resulted in the suspension of several projects that would have led to an unprecedented economic recovery like the Dow Chemical, Northern Oil Fields, Silk City and development of islands. Yes, the lack of a correct understanding of the legislative and oversight roles of the MPs led to a series of obstacles.
Thus, the behavior that prevailed in parliaments since 1992 until recently was based on maliciousness and narrow personal electoral interests; not on awareness of the importance of promoting development as a stabilizing national factor.
Today, we are in front of a Cabinet that is being monitored by the political leadership. It is receiving directives from His Highness the Crown Prince and HH the Prime Minister who have not been contaminated by the influence of the deep State.
By the way, this proverb applies to Sheikh Ahmad Al-Nawaf: “Gold only shines when you rub it.” Some of his works shone within a short period, while hopes remain pinned on him to make his work brighter with more achievements.
Consequently, it is now necessary to fully open the economic files, and set conditions to revive investment and the economy. This is the promise of the political leadership, so the government and the National Assembly must fulfill it. They either pass the test or they lose the way. Everyone bears the responsibility for the failure that is not found in the leadership’s political dictionary, especially that of His Highness the Crown Prince.
The leadership, kindly excuse us for underlining this reality; because the country has a lot of needs. Hard work is necessary to protect the country from crises, especially since international volcanoes have started to erupt in every direction.
By Ahmed Al-Jarallah
Editor-in-Chief, the Arab Times
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