Kuwait PM seeks clarification

Kuwait’s Prime Minister Shaikh Jaber Al Mubarak Al Hamad Al Sabah has sought clarifications about aspects of a parliamentary grilling filed against him.

In a letter addressed to Parliament Speaker Marzouq Al Ghanim, the prime minister wanted Riadh Al Adsani and Shuaib Al Muwaizri, the two lawmakers who had filed the motion, to give a detailed report of the alleged remarks, irregularities and violations mentioned in the grilling.

Shaikh Jaber also requested that the grilling include copies of the evidence and of the audit and financial control reports as well as specific elements and incidents to enable him to refute them.

The prime minister said that his request was in line with Article 135 of the parliament’s bylaws which stipulates that a grilling should be detailed, clear and accurate.

He added that the grilling motion he received contained several issues drafted in general terms that did not include specific topics or facts or an explanation of the accusations that could be attributed to the prime minister.

The motion did not include a concise or detailed identification of any particular incident or subject that would constitute an accusation that could be refuted, he said, adding that this made it contrary to the provisions of the parliament’s bylaws and unfit for discussion.

Shaikh Jaber stressed that he only wanted to refute all the aspects and accusations of the motion in a clear and frank manner, Kuwait News Agency (Kuna) reported.

MPs AlAdsani and Al Muwaizri filed their grilling motion on April 16 with only one issue and seven points related to the government’s general policy.

The motion was the second to be filed against Shaikh Jaber in four days.

Lawmakers Waleed Al Tabtabai, Marzouq Al Khalifa, and Mohammad Al Mutyar submitted a five-point motion to the parliament.

Revoking citizenship

The first point was about “the violation of the law and abuse of power by the government in a selective, retaliatory or politically motivated manner in its interpretation and application of the laws through issuing decrees and revoking the Kuwaiti citizenship from some of its holders.”

The second point dealt with the violation of international treaties and conventions and the abuse of power by the government in a selective, retaliatory or politically motivated manner by issuing legislation that is contrary to its obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

The third point revolved around “rampant corruption” and “the insistence on appointing incompetent and unqualified figures to important and strategic positions in the country while removing competent people with proven aptitudes.”

The fourth point covered the government’s action programme “that was not prepared on solid foundations” and not keeping the strategic assets of the state.”

The fifth point faulted the government for “harming citizens through increasing electricity and water fees” and “squandering the state budget.”

Under Article 100 of Kuwait’s constitution, every lawmaker has the right to file motions to grill the prime minister or ministers on “matters falling with their competence.” 

source: GULF NEWS