Speaker defends delay in session

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KUWAIT CITY, March 8: National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim defended the decision of the National Assembly Office to reschedule the session slated for March 10 to March 24.

In a press conference, Al-Ghanim replied to objections raised by a number of MPs, pointing out the decision covers only the session and that work at the Assembly is continuous. He affirmed communicating with all the MPs before taking the decision and most of them agreed to postpone the session.

The MPs, who voiced objection to the decision, argued that the Assembly should be committed in serving the citizens regardless of the danger. They said it is unacceptable that the Assembly suspends sessions, while other public institutions are working continuously.

Al-Ghanim explained that holding a session is not limited to the 50 MPs as the attendees include ministers, administrative and technical employees, security guards and journalists; hence, the total number is at least 200, in addition to the visitors.

He stressed the Assembly is keen on doing its job, especially in difficult times; but it is also committed to the regulations of the Ministry of Health and World Health Organization (WHO) on curbing the spread of coronavirus.

About the work of employees in different public institutions, Al-Ghanim clarified this falls under the responsibility of the executive authority; whereas work at the Assembly is his responsibility as head of the legislative authority. He instructed various parliamentary committees to hold meetings with the appropriate number of attendees — around 20.

On the government’s decision to suspend fl ights to and from seven countries, Al-Ghanim affirmed this decision does not target certain countries.

Although he does not evaluate decisions taken by the government during the meeting held on Friday, he supports every step towards ensuring the safety of citizens and expatriates. He also stressed the importance of avoiding hesitation in taking decisions, particularly in difficult times.

He called on the concerned ministers to address citizens through the media in order to reveal facts and dispel rumors such as the inaccurate number of expatriates who arrived in Kuwait days before the flight ban. He then praised the efforts exerted by the official spokesperson of the government and the daily press conference of the Ministry of Health (MoH).

By Saeed Mahmoud Saleh Arab Times Staff

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