The appointment of an acting minister to head the Ministry of Information, Culture and Youth after the resignation of the former minister confirms the existence of chronic problems in our political landscape – the revolving door of ministerial positions and the resulting instability in vital sectors.
We must acknowledge the efforts of former Minister of Information Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, particularly his progressive vision for domestic tourism. His focus on leveraging agricultural landowners for side activities was a commendable step towards stimulating commercial activity and establishing a robust partnership between the public and private sectors. This proved his commitment to transform the political vision of the State into a practical policy.
However, the current situation brings to light a deeply rooted issue. The practice of appointing officials from outside the experienced staff of the ministry is a costly wastage of time and resources. Any new minister, regardless of his reputation, faces a steep learning curve to grasp the technical intricacies and long-standing affairs of the institution.
Furthermore, it is a regrettable observation, shared by many throughout the Arab world, that prestige often eclipses competence. The instability inherent in frequent ministerial changes leads to a distinct lack of interest in continuously implementing long-term plans.
The familiar pattern of an incoming official bringing his own inexperienced team means that by the time the newcomer familiarizes himself with his roles, the appointee is often on the way out, setting aside plans and vital studies to languish in desk drawers. This is a sharp contrast to the situation in developed nations, where responsibility is defined by the continuity of plan execution.
Ministers remain in their respective posts for extended periods, ensuring project completion. Officials in civilized countries are not chosen based on favoritism or random selection. A rigorous vetting process includes a thorough investigation into the character and suitability of candidates for sensitive roles. The top ministerial post is undoubtedly sensitive, demanding an individual capable of realizing the political vision of the State.
The Ministry of Information and Culture in Kuwait has immense responsibilities, from overseeing radio and television to nurturing the cultural sector that made Kuwait a beacon of civilization, and then culminating in the vital tourism sector. These fields require competent daily oversight, distinct from the political decisions of the Cabinet.
Therefore, the preferable, logical, and responsible course of action is to select the minister from the existing staff of the ministry. The ministry has a plethora of undersecretaries and experts with extensive and sector-specific experience gained from rotating through various departments. The media is the face of the State. Providing the media, cultural and tourism sectors with consistent and competent leadership is necessary for depicting a civilized image of the nation and ensuring its continuous progress. It is now time to prioritize institutional knowledge and proven competence over political expediency.
