Kuwait Cabinet reviews key projects and draft laws in weekly meeting

KUWAIT CITY, Aug 14: The Cabinet held its weekly meeting on Tuesday morning, August 13, 2024, at Bayan Palace, chaired by His Highness the Prime Minister, Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. Following the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Sherida Abdullah Al-Muasherji made the following statement:

"At the start of the meeting, the Cabinet extended its heartfelt condolences to His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Meshaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince, Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, and the Al-Sabah family on the passing of His Highness Sheikh Salem Al-Ali Al-Salem Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, the Chief of the National Guard. Sheikh Salem passed away yesterday, Monday, after a lifetime of dedicated service to the nation and its citizens. The Cabinet remembered with deep appreciation the sincere efforts and national contributions of the late Sheikh in the various positions he held, praying to Allah Almighty to grant him mercy and a place in paradise."

The Cabinet then reviewed a visual presentation from the Minister of Public Works and Minister of State for Municipal Affairs, Dr. Noura Mohammed Al-Mishaan, along with several leaders from Kuwait Municipality. The presentation detailed the Mubarakiya Markets Development Project, which includes a heritage-themed hotel, buildings, shops, parking lots, and various other facilities and services.

Additionally, the Cabinet examined another visual presentation by the Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs, and Minister of State for Youth Affairs, Dr. Amthal Hadi Al-Huwailah, alongside several leaders from the Ministry of Social Affairs. This presentation focused on the work of the National Cooperative Projects Committee, which is overseeing several projects, including the Cooperative Center for Addiction Treatment, the Cooperative Center for Research and Treatment of Genetic Diseases in Children, and the Social Care Homes Complex Buildings Project. These initiatives aim to enhance the country’s humanitarian and social role.

The Cabinet expressed its sincere gratitude and appreciation for the efforts of the National Cooperative Projects Committee and consumer cooperative societies for their contributions to these projects that benefit Kuwaiti society.

On another note, the Cabinet approved the minutes of the Higher Committee for the Investigation of Kuwaiti Nationality, which included cases of the loss and revocation of Kuwaiti nationality from individuals who had obtained it through fraud and forgery, in accordance with the provisions of Decree-Law No. 15 of 1959 regarding Kuwaiti nationality and its amendments.

The Cabinet also discussed the recommendations presented in the minutes of the Ministerial Committee for Legal Affairs and made the following decisions:

1. Approval of the draft decree-law amending certain provisions of Law No. 16 of 1960 and Law No. 31 of 1970, which amends some provisions of Penal Code No. 16 of 1960. This amendment aims to increase the penalties for crimes involving assaults on public employees and to prevent victims from withdrawing their complaints, reconciling with the accused, or pardoning them.
2. Approval of the draft decree-law amending certain provisions of Decree-Law No. 35 of 1976 concerning real estate rentals, with the goal of protecting the rights of both lessors and lessees.
3. Approval of the draft decree-law amending certain provisions of Decree-Law No. 20 of 1981 regarding the establishment of a department in the General Court to handle administrative disputes. This amendment aims to expedite the resolution of pending disputes before the judiciary.

The Cabinet decided to submit these draft laws to His Highness the Amir for his approval.

In line with the government's commitment to overseeing the Ministry of Education's preparations for the upcoming 2024/2025 academic year, the Cabinet listened to a briefing from the Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Adel Mohammed Al-Adwani. The briefing outlined the measures taken by the Ministry of Education to launch the new academic year and detailed the latest preparations for the start of studies across all educational stages in every governorate. The Minister highlighted the work done by relevant departments within the Ministry of Education concerning the rehabilitation, maintenance, and preparation of schools and their facilities to welcome students.