WITHOUT a doubt, His Highness Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad’s bold, courageous, and transformative decisions have effectively halted political chatter in the country, irrespective of whether they were stemming from partisan or sectarian agendas, narrow interests, or the deep state, which has been seeking to exert control over the state’s functions for decades.
Prior to these significant actions, it was implied from the situation that institutions were under the influence of several detrimental factors, including appointments driven by a corrupt system based on graft and nepotism. This gave Kuwait the impression of being a directionless state, with its institutions plagued by corruption.
Many citizens expressed their disapproval of this issue. Newspapers, media outlets, and social media took the opportunity to highlight it, even identifying those involved in corruption. However, this outcry was met with deafening silence and resistance from those benefiting from the corruption. This is why we see people being parachuted into positions with neither oversight nor accountability.
The current political leadership was aware of this issue and believed that reform must begin with the selection of a qualified individual who could work without being affiliated with any political parties or movements.
In order to improve the process of placing the right individuals in the right positions to serve the public interest instead of cronies, sects, tribes, or families, the leadership instructed the Council of Ministers to establish clear criteria for nominating officials.
Going forward, no official will be appointed without a thorough review of their criminal history, as well as reports from the State Security Service and the Criminal Investigation Department.
This initiative marks a decisive end to nearly 50 years of self-interest, corruption, looting, and other practices that have weakened Kuwait due to inefficiency, even in its domestic and international relations as well as its foreign investments.
In management science, this is referred to as “the determination to commit corruption by appointing those lacking the ability to effectively manage an institution.”
Corruption tends to spread within administrations, with employees often dancing to the tune of their superiors.
An undesirable practice has long prevailed in Kuwait – suspects, embezzlers, or looters are often asked to resign from their positions, and they are rewarded for their betrayal of trust rather than facing imprisonment.
When accountability began to take root, we witnessed many shocking verdicts revealing the innovative methods of theft and exploitation of legal loopholes used to pass decisions favoring the corrupt. This resulted in delays in project implementation and huge financial waste.
In contrast, offenders or corrupt individuals in other countries are publicly exposed and identified, with their crimes and infractions brought to light. They are typically fined multiple times the amount they embezzled or stole, and are permanently barred from holding positions of authority.
No employee can evade an integrated system in nations that respect their citizens and uphold the law, and where there is no room for favoritism or self-interest.
Despite the commendable action taken by the political leadership today, the Council of Ministers still has a lot of work ahead to complete its reform journey. Transparency is essential, as ambiguity enables those operating in troubled waters to undermine the reform efforts.
We must acknowledge that there are many individuals who have been affected by these changes and are attempting to sabotage progress, and using offices, social media, and other platforms to incite dissent. The Council of Ministers needs to proactively address this issue.
