Al-Rashidi says will continue to expose corruption

KUWAIT CITY, Aug 14

Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Thikra Al-Rashidi broke the silence on fierce attacks many MPs have been waging in the last few days against her, as regards news item published by one of the local dailies about new appointments she allegedly made of her relatives, stressing the allegations are ''false and baseless'', reports Al-Seyassah daily. Al-Rashidi described the allegations of nepotism and favoritism in her ministry as aimed to tarnish her political image to make her appear as violator of constitutional duties. She also said the recent ferocious and organized campaign will not make her curve away from duty, instead, she will continue to expose corruption that clamors the job market and those behind them, affirming she will not hesitate to appoint qualified people and pump new youthful blood in the ministry for excellent services.

In relation to the appointment of her sister as Advisor in her office and claim that the sister is a graduate from the Institute of Commerce, Al-Rashidi explained she is a public instructor in Ministry of Education and holder of bachelor's degree from the Kuwait University, adding she earned the degree more than 25 years ago.

Official
She stressed the sister was appointed through the official channel -- Civil Service Commission, and since the beginning of this year, her salary was endorsed by the same body. She indicated the issue was brought up in the previous parliament and she explained in detail to the satisfaction of the House. She also said the current uproar on the same issue is unjustifiable and it raises question mark on what she described as 'unfair campaign' against her.

Al-Rashidi made it clear she has not even appointed a fifth or sixth degree relative in any official leadership position, contrary to what the ''tellers'' are feeding the people of Kuwait. She went on to challenge them to prove a single appointment of her relatives in leadership posts.

Meanwhile, the minister was quick to point out that, ''perhaps, they are confused between her relatives and members of Al-Rashidi tribe, stressing they may be doing so intentionally or out of ignorance''.

''Let it be clear that the members of Al-Rashidi tribe are part of the Kuwaiti social texture whose number exceeds tens of thousands, and they are treated with no difference just like the other employees in Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor, she added.

She also believes the local daily published the story because she's from Al-Rashidi clan, ''Supposing all members of Al-Rashidi clan are my relatives, which I am proud of, it does not serve me in any way as a minister except for taking one step ahead of the other employees in the ministry''.

Regardless of fierce campaign initiated against Minister Thikra Al-Rashidi, it is rare not to find someone coming to her defense.

For his part, MP Adel Al-Kharafi explained the attack is directly connected to Al-Rashidi's relentless effort to confront the visa-traders and cancellation of suspicious contracts, indicating the ongoing situation is not criticism but an attempt to hamper the course of reform and achievements she has initiated through devotion and serious implementation of the law.

MP Al-Kharafi added the impact Al-Rashidi has made in exposing corruption is clear, besides her courage in dealing with violations by closing the files of bogus companies and referring some contracts to prosecution for suspicious financial deals.

He described the vicious attacks against the minister as organized and fueled by her steadfastness to fight against visa-trading and the charitable foundations that diverted from their course.

MP Sultan Al-Shimmeri questions the timing of the attacks against Al-Rashidi and whether they are initiated by individuals who affected negatively by decisions the minister has taken.

He stated "nobody from the previous government was able to achieve what Minister Al-Rashidi has accomplished due to pressures mounted by beneficiaries, adding she has managed to resolve the imbalance and defects in the job market and brought to a halt the era of bogus companies, as she has dealt with visa-traders and deported expatriates who came to the country on falsified documents, and also held the owners of companies that brought them here responsible.

Contradicting her colleagues, MP Dr Maasouma Al-Mubarak said the ministries are like agencies without doorkeepers, and the Minister of Social Affairs is an example of ministers who propagate nepotism and favoritism.

She warned Al-Rashidi of facing the consequences of her actions if she does not rescind on her decisions.

© Arab Times 2013