I HAVE been closely monitoring Kuwait’s public affairs since 1962, and I am well-versed in them. Therefore, I can confidently say that in all my years, I have never heard from officials at all levels what I heard in the speech delivered by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad during the oath-taking ceremony of the current Council of Ministers.

In his speech, His Highness the Amir said, “I will hold accountable those who fail to fulfill their duties. People are seeking actual achievements, and we aspire to unlimited generosity. I will oversee the implementation of your work. You must earn people’s trust and support, as their trust is precious and priceless.” There is no doubt that His Highness is a man of his word, according to what is known about him. He believes that Kuwait currently needs a lot of work and increased effort, especially because parliamentarians and ministers were given free rein for about 61 years to pursue all their desires and whims at the expense of the people and the state.

Therefore, the changes, spanning 46 councils of ministers, about 20 national assemblies, with over 470 ministers and numerous parliamentarians, were deemed unreliable. This was due to the foundation being consistently based on deals struck between powerful parliamentary blocs, influential figures, and some members of the ruling house. Instead of Kuwait developing under democracy to serve as the foundation for a strong and effective state with the ability to benefit from climates of freedom in opinion and expression, or the economy and society, it became more like cantons. Every sect, tribe, and family has its authority parallel to the authority of the state. It has almost become an “open-air market” where all forms of evil are exposed.

Also, things must be put into perspective, as the Almighty Allah said, “And do not deprive people of their things…” It is therefore true that there were some reform attempts, but they were limited to formalities and did not develop to change the essence. That is why we have witnessed successive crises over the past three decades, which revealed flaws in the Constitution, something that His Highness the Amir highlighted on several occasions. This includes his Amiri speech at the opening of the National Assembly on October 18, 2022 when his eyes became teary as he was reciting the verse, “Our Lord, let not our hearts deviate after You have guided us and grant us from Yourself mercy. Indeed, You are the Bestower.”

All of this is because the actual ruler in the country was the National Assembly, not the government or other authorities. Many laws were passed that led to the closure of the country, an attempt to change the nature of society, and undermine its economy. Other resources required for the country’s sustainable development lay dormant including using some of the funds invested abroad, which are high risks, in infrastructure, development projects, or other proper use of sovereign funds to serve Kuwait and its people.

Regarding financial matters, there are many laws that the Council of Ministers must review, approve, and amend as necessary to expedite progress towards development. His Highness’s commitment to restoring Kuwait’s leadership, and his pledge to hold negligent individuals accountable, should remain foremost in the minds of all ministers. We have to admit that everyone is aware of the great prosperity that awaits the GCC countries as a result of their stability. Currently, and with the intensification of global crises, they will be a refuge for experts, doctors, engineers, and investors. It will also be a medical, educational and recreational oasis. This means that Kuwait must expedite the development of all its facilities to ensure it remains competitive in revitalizing the country.

Therefore, His Highness’s vision for the next stage is what the Council of Ministers must work to achieve. He is watching and will hold them accountable. He constantly follows up their work, due to which they must avoid the wrath of the forbearing. For all this, it must be emphasized that Kuwait needs 30 ministers in order to achieve the dreams of its ruler, and banish the specter of overlapping powers.

By Ahmed Al-Jarallah,
Editor-in-Chief, the Arab Times
[email protected]