KUWAIT CITY, Nov 23: Rapporteur of the Public Funds Protection Committee in the Parliament MP Saif Al- Azmi has expressed disappointment over criticisms on the panel’s reports about the Dow Chemical Company file. Al-Azmi claimed some of his colleagues have challenged the committee and accused it of being biased in handling the Dow Chemical file. He affirmed the committee has recommended referral of the file, along with the supporting documents, and all those involved in the controversial deal to the Public Prosecution. “We urge them to prove that the committee did not summon a particular party. The Dow Chemical deal is a controversial issue for the people of Kuwait and we have uncovered the truth. We presented documents in the presence of the persons involved in the controversy. We don’t favor any person and no one should blackmail us, because the final decision is in the hands of the National Assembly.

The committee’s reports are ready for submission to the Assembly,” he asserted. Meanwhile, Chairman of the Public Utilities Committee MP Mohammed Al-Hadiya promised to complete deliberations on the proposed amendments to Municipal Law Number 5 / 2005 within the current legislative term as this is one of the priorities of the executive and legislative authorities. He said the committee on Monday finalized discussions on 36 out of 65 articles of the law.

He added the committee is still waiting for the government’s opinion about the proposed amendments, hoping to hear from the executive authority soon to ensure completion of the amendment before the current legislative term ends. On the other hand, MP Askar Al- Enezi has presented a proposal to treat Gulf and Bedoun professionals working in the Ministry of Interior like their counterparts in the Ministry of Defense.

He pointed out the Gulf and Bedoun professionals in the Defense Ministry have been granted the right to undergo treatment and study abroad, so those in the Interior Ministry must enjoy the same privileges. He argued no one can deny the fact that Gulf and Bedoun professionals in the two ministries play important roles; hence, the need to grant them the same privileges. He stressed the need to end the suffering of GCC and Bedoun professionals in the Ministry of Interior in order to make them feel that they are part of this country. He added these professionals must feel that Kuwait is keen on granting their rights, especially since some of them are married to Kuwaitis.

By Abubakar A. Ibrahim Arab Times Staff