KUWAIT CITY, April 20: MP Shuwaib Al-Muwaizri has vowed to push for the enactment of a law to impose harsher penalties on traders who exploit consumers by increasing the prices of basic commodities without any valid reason.
Speaking to reporters Tuesday, Al-Muwaizri pointed out the allocation of two hours during the May 11 session to discuss the price hike issue is the first step taken by the MPs to stop the unscrupulous practices of greedy traders.
Urging the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to activate the role of the Consumer Protection Department, Al-Muwaizri said the ministry should strictly monitor the markets to stop the unjustified hike in the prices of basic commodities, including food products.  He added the ministry must be held liable in case it fails to address the issue.
Al-Muwaizri called on the board chairpersons and members of cooperative societies, as well as the Union of Consumer Cooperative Societies, to unite and support the honest traders who do not exploit the consumers.  He pointed out the cooperative societies must buy or import goods directly from the suppliers and sell these goods in the local market at reasonable prices.
Meanwhile, MP Ali Al-Rashid appealed to his colleagues, who are against his proposal to amend the Constitution, to discuss the proposed amendments before commenting on the issue.  He recommended major amendments to articles 80, 97,100 and 147, of the Constitution.
Al-Rashid’s proposed amendment to Article 80 states the creation of the Sixth Constituency which will be between the Fourth and Fifth constituencies.  He said each constituency should have 12 candidates or a total of 72.
Amendments to Article 97 require the government, which means the prime minister, to present a work program to be voted on by the MPs, similar to the current practice in Jordan.
Amendments to Article 100 states that a grilling request submitted against any minister should be signed by five MPs including the presenter, but if it is against the premier the signatories should be 10 including the presenter.  In both cases, only one MP must stand on the podium during the grilling session.  If a no-confidence motion against the premier is submitted, the signatories should be 15.
Amendments to Article 147 require MPs to enact laws to reduce projected expenditures mentioned in the Budget Law to ease pressure on the public coffers.
Al-Rashid explained he has no intention to present these amendments without consulting the constitutional and legal experts as well as his colleagues in the Parliament.  He called on his detractors to carefully read the proposed amendments and state their opinions to reach a vision that is acceptable to all.
Earlier this week, Al-Rashid reiterated his call for amending the Constitution to develop the political and parliamentary proceedings in Kuwait.