Speaker foresees rise in session intensity

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KUWAIT CITY, Jan 12: Parliament Speaker Marzouq Al- Ghanim announced that the upcoming legislative sessions have been moved to Jan 30 and 31 as Jan 29 is the anniversary of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al- Jaber Al-Sabah’s accession to the throne.

Addressing criticisms directed at some parliamentary committees such as slow legislative progress, Al-Ghanim acknowledged them, saying this has prompted him to call for a meeting with chairpersons and rapporteurs of committees on Monday. He expects the parliamentary sessions slated for February and March to be intense; hence, the need for early preparation to speed up legislative progress.

He is confident that Monday’s meeting will result in beneficial ideas and proposals. Asked about his verbal altercation with MP Shu’aib Al-Muwaizri in the most recent session and his aggressive statement afterwards, the Speaker clarified he does not intend to stoop to the level of responding to provocations as the MP’s statement reflects his ethics and goals.

He affirmed that as Parliament Speaker, he is fully aware such statements should not affect the implementation of internal regulations. He disclosed most Parliament members and constitutional experts in the legislature consider the letter submitted by the Al-Muwaizri a violation of internal regulations, resulting in the altercation.

Al-Muwaizri thinks otherwise, claiming the action was an attempt to control parliamentary practice. Al-Ghanim affirmed every MP’s opinion is respected in Abdullah Al-Salem Hall, but those who disrespect others shall not be respected. Noting that despite differences in opinions, his relationship with majority of the Parliament members is good. “As Speaker, I have to stop those with troublesome agendas and respond to them in the language they understand,” he asserted.

By Ahmed Al-Naqeeb Arab Times Staff

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