WITH the appointment of the new Cabinet members, we feel the country’s affairs are now in the hands of experts. A look at the CVs of the new ministers instills confidence that the Council of Ministers has started moving in the right direction. It can continue in the same direction if specialists are chosen in executive leadership positions.
Four of the new ministers have established careers, and their backgrounds reflect the wisdom in their selection. This may lead to a shift away from the bitter reality that Kuwait has been facing due to tribal, sectarian, and family quotas, and the game of vested interests. In the past, ministers often relied on personal relationships, or recommendations from parliamentary blocs, or familial connections, such as having a grandfather who fought in the Battle of Jahra, or being associated with charitable organizations.
This selection method often resulted in the appointment of unprofessional ministers who committed a series of mistakes and hasty decisions that negatively affected both the people and the country. Some ministers adopted a closed-door policy, leaving important matters in the hands of their aides, which resulted in chaos and inefficiency. Such practices left Kuwait directionless, as the appointed officials lacked the expertise and qualifications required for their ministerial roles
Observations were made regarding some ministers who were replaced in the recent reshuffle, as they did not keep up with the pace set by their counterparts. This led to a noticeable stagnation throughout the past four months, making the reshuffle necessary to ensure that all officials are adequately prepared for their responsibilities. For the first time, there is a sense that technocrats are now part of the government, given that the most pressing issue now is the economy, with financial management being its core.
The appointment of Noura Al-Fassam to this position confirms that a positive change will extend beyond the previous limits. Similarly, the appointment of Minister of Commerce and Industry Khalifa Al-Ajeel is crucial. He will need to work on many files and correct the defects in them, especially the recent backward decisions that made the Kuwaiti economy appear as though it is managed with the mentality of a grocery store rather than a state. In the field of education, considering it is one of the most difficult fields, the selection of Dr. Nader Al-Jalal as the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and as the acting Minister of Education, was a commendable choice.
As a career educationist, Dr. Al-Jalal brings extensive knowledge and experience necessary for effective educational and scientific reform. We must all acknowledge the fact that reforming education is synonymous with reforming the state as a whole. The impact of hasty decisions on our education system is quite evident, as it increasingly produces individuals who are either illiterate or only semi-educated. This is the reason for the deterioration of all institutions, which has contributed to the proliferation of fake certificates. The core of the problem lies in a system that prioritized personal connections (wasta) for securing financial privileges and positions, rather than focusing on fulfilling a national mission.
In addition, one of the pressing issues in the country is housing. This file is now in the hands of an expert like Abdullatif Al-Mishari, who has extensive experience in developing the five islands, working on major projects’ master plans, and serving on the Housing Projects Coordination Committee at the Public Authority for Housing Welfare. His background suggests that he has many practical and innovative ideas to drive much-needed development in this sector, moving away from outdated approaches. We can today see the positive impact of His Highness the Amir’s efforts to restore Kuwait to its status as the “Pearl of the Gulf.” His wisdom has been guiding the ministers, who must be diligent and committed to fulfilling His Highness’s vision, which is focused on meeting citizens’ aspirations, which align closely with His Highness’s own aspirations.
By Ahmed Al-Jarallah
Editor-in-Chief, the Arab Times
