Four governments and there might be more if we consider the constant reshuffling of ministers to protect them from parliamentary interpellations. Most of the MPs instigate conflicts with the government, yet the latter dodged confrontation with the Parliament to focus on the implementation of reforms. Frankly, the four governments have done nothing and life in Kuwait has become complicated. The government was the first one to give up control over our economy. It has disregarded the necessary procedures to rescue the economy the same procedures followed by other governments all over the world. It has opted to play a passive role due to pressures from some MPs, whose personal benefits match that of the premier's.

These MPs repeatedly praised the premier for his pro-reform ideas, so they want something in return. Their reward came in the form of economic errors committed by the government when it ruined the BOT system and cancelled contracts of companies, which acquired rights stipulated in agreements signed between these companies and the government. However, the mistake lies in the government. It should not have signed these contracts only to cancel them later as such a move caused huge losses to the country. It is no longer clear which of these governments committed this grave mistake. It doesn't matter because this is actually a continuous form of government going through slight changes through the constant reshuffles but its decisions and policies are important.

Let us put aside overlapping matters. People were dismayed over the cancellation of the BOT system while the bourse has continued to face various risks due to the absence of a law to protect it. Experts have repeatedly called for the ouster of officials randomly operating the bourse. The authorities acted on this request only after the onset of the crisis. However, Commerce and Industry Minister Ahmad Baqer's failure to efficiently handle the crisis is still a threat to the economy. His statement depicting stock market traders as 'adventurers' is a reflection of our own mistakes as we allowed an incompetent person to run our economic affairs.   

What are the accomplishments of this government? What has it achieved by updating laws, which is under the jurisdiction of the judicial authority? What has it accomplished in the presence of the legislative authority for its will to prevail as guaranteed by the Constitution? What has it done by engaging in 'harmful' deals that prompted an MP to grill the prime minister? This MP has agreed to withdraw the grilling request provided the government cancels the citizenship of 10 individuals who, according to the MP, obtained their citizenship illegally. Actually, the government expedited procedures to give in to the MP's demand. What a scandal! The whole world witnessed how the prime minister and his government easily succumbed to the MP's demand even if this violates the Constitution.

According to our religion, we should not punish a person for the mistake of another but it was the other way around in this case. What was the result? Has the government succeeded in reconciling with the MP? Is it now safe from his threats? Of course not! This MP merely suspended submission of the grilling request, he didn't cancel it. The government's hasty compliance to the MP's demand has encouraged other MPs to submit grilling requests against the premier to gain electoral benefits. What will the prime minister achieve if he reconciles with one bloc and ignores another?

The four governments are said to have been keen on implementing genuine reforms. They later regretted describing the premier as pro-reform. Everything got mixed up as one crisis led to another. The Parliament has become like the cave of Ali Baba where stories and pleas are exchanged everyday while the government remains in limbo as it doesn't know how to handle its affairs. The four governments have done nothing but instigate turmoil. Some of us blame the government while others blame the Parliament. The government repeatedly announced its refusal to cooperate with the Parliament, yet we condoned these acts. Four or five parliaments were dissolved and each of them is more brutal than their predecessors.

People are now clamoring for a comfortable life. We want a government with the ability to implement vital programs. We want development. We long to see people engaged in trading and construction works but we only hear empty promises from the government.

Anyway, people also hear the other side. Some claim the government is pro-reform while others say it is a thief that misappropriates public funds. It is a disgrace to show other nations how we have deviated from our norms. All of us have committed grave mistakes but we should be sensible enough to prioritize our country's benefits. We have to reach the safe side soon. We want the Amir to rescue us from this quagmire and take over our responsibilities. The Parliament has acted on its whims and the government is feeble. HH the Amir, please rescue us from these authorities!

By Ahmed Al-Jarallah

© Arab Times 2008

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