THE basic characteristic of constitutional institutions, particularly the government and parliament, is their ability to adapt to global changes through societal development based on a modern legislative framework.
Unfortunately, this principle had not been fully implemented in Kuwait since its independence until recently. Over 900 laws have been enacted since 1962, many of which remain unchanged without undergoing any amendments. Others have been amended, often to become more stringent or to serve the interests of certain members of the National Assembly during specific terms or under the influence of certain governments in response to the desires of the majority of ministers. However, these amendments have not benefited Kuwait, nor have they contributed to societal development or tackled the challenges facing the national economy.
As a result, Kuwait's legislative system requires a comprehensive overhaul to eliminate outdated laws that represent a burden on society and amend those that need modernization. It is unfortunate that 47 consecutive governments and 18 National Assemblies have failed to address this, as many were focused on personal gains or consolidating their political agendas.
Given that the Council of Ministers currently holds responsibilities along with the National Assembly, His Highness the Prime Minister should direct ministers to review the laws pertaining to their respective ministries. They should propose amendments to outdated laws and repeal those that no longer align with current needs, particularly the extreme and restrictive ones that hinder the development of the national economy and investments. These should be replaced with laws that promote fair and effective justice.
Many proposals and bills remain stagnant in the drawers of the National Assembly and urgently need to be reviewed and amended. This includes laws related to the Ministry of Justice, the judiciary, and its associated institutions.
Over the years, many ministers have overseen the Ministry of Justice, some reappointed for multiple terms, while others dismissed. However, no amendments to the laws governing the judiciary have been considered for various reasons, which are beyond the scope of this article.
The current Minister of Justice, however, has made notable strides in advancing justice and has shown a commitment to developing the ministry. Guided by the directives of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the minister is diligently working to develop the judiciary, particularly the laws that harm Kuwait’s reputation in international forums or negatively impact the country and its citizens.
The minister embodies the wisdom of "Give the dough to the skilled baker", prioritizing facilitation over difficulty. By diagnosing the root causes of the problem, he follows the guiding principle of His Highness the Amir to establish a foundation of justice where no one is wronged.
Therefore, we hope that other ministers will adopt this approach and that His Highness the Prime Minister will instruct all ministers to take on the national responsibility entrusted to them.
Ministers now have the opportunity to review and develop the laws relevant to their ministries, and create a legislative framework that promotes societal and economic progress in line with modern developments. It is time for Kuwait to emerge from the backwardness caused by irresponsible ministerial and parliamentary actions that have led to persistent crises.
It is time for us to have laws that encourage growth and the opening up of the country, and promote trade, industry, and economy, rather than laws that foster envy or greed.
As the saying goes, "Honor the generous and sophisticated so that we may earn their loyalty and share in their prosperity."
