THIS is not the first time we have raised our voices to demand a reform of the entire legislative structure. We recall the number of issues that were left unresolved in the past period, largely due to the interference of MPs and influential individuals with narrow interests, who shaped laws based on flawed foundations. This is also not the first time I have pointed out this issue.
However, there has been little reaction, except from a few ministers who understood the huge implications of the political leadership’s directives, particularly those outlined by His Highness the Amir, to build a renaissance and sustainable development.
The first ministers to respond were the First Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Interior, followed by the Minister of Justice. While some ministers have shown timid progress, it remains far from the expected level of support needed for the country’s renaissance after its prolonged stagnation. There are many laws that require amendment and development, while some need to be completely overhauled, as they have caused major flaws in administrative and institutional work.
In addition, several proposed laws were deliberately suppressed by those with narrow interests who sought to control everything, which hindered the state’s progress and contributed to its stagnation. The First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef made commendable progress by reforming the residency law to allow for family visits. However, further openness is still needed. Despite this, Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef’s actions, compared to the past, are significant and deserve praise, though they have yet to reach the level of the Gulf states, which have laws that effectively stimulate economic activity and investment.
The efforts of Minister of Justice Nasser Yousef Al-Sumait also deserve recognition. He initiated a workshop to amend the laws and judicial procedures of his ministry, addressing the many outdated laws that had long been in need of reform. All these are individual efforts, but the country still needs much more to break free from the current impasse and rid itself of these restrictive laws.
Unfortunately, we have fallen behind. Other ministers, such as the Minister of Commerce and Industry and its affiliated bodies, must also take action, especially the Ministry of Industrial Affairs. It must adopt a more flexible approach and provide greater incentives to industrialists. Everyone is aware that the legislative system of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry contains many obstacles, some of which hinder progress.
Despite the importance of the agricultural sector, it continues to suffer from a lack of development. Farmers face great challenges due to their reliance on imports, which has weakened local production. We all recall the difficulties faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in the disruption of supply chains. We must acknowledge that the world is constantly evolving, and the crossroads we stand at cannot afford further hesitation.
It requires decisiveness, not haste. People expect leaders who can recognize their capabilities and harness them for the service of the state. In this context, I recall the words of the late Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad (May God have mercy on him) when he was asked about Kuwait Municipality. He said, “The corruption of the Kuwait Municipality is too heavy for camels to carry.” The Kuwait Municipality continues to operate under outdated laws that no longer serve the needs of the modern era.
These laws often obstruct progress, causing a ripple effect that paralyzes interconnected systems, such as the Public Authority for Industry, the Public Authority for Agricultural Affairs and Fish Resources, and the Public Authority for Housing Welfare. Housing sector has seen some development, but it still falls short of correcting the major imbalances that continue to plague this ministry and its affiliated agencies.
These are just a few examples. There are many laws that need to be amended to better support citizens. We hope that the pace of development accelerates, as Kuwait requires huge investment in various sectors. This is the responsibility of the current government to ensure. Finally, to His Highness the Prime Minister, this is Kuwait’s opportunity to rejuvenate its youth by revamping its laws.
