KUWAIT CITY - The government is said to have intensified efforts to support Interior Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Khalid Al-Sabah during the no-confidence motion slated for July 1, reports Al-Shahid daily quoting sources. Sources said some MPs have withdrawn their support to the minister due to MP Musallam Al-Barrak's claim that the election billboards are stored in an area owned by an undisclosed person. Sources quoted HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah as saying that Sheikh Jaber is an honest minister, hence, there is no reason to accuse him of violating the law and the government considers him one of the strong members of the team. Sources disclosed the government is gathering documents which will be presented to the MPs to prove Sheikh Jaber's innocence and his commitment to strictly enforce the law as reflected in his decision to refer the election billboards issue to the Public Prosecution.
On the other hand, reliable sources from the Parliament confirmed 23 MPs have so far expressed their willingness to support the no-confidence motion, warning this number might increase if the government fails to take the necessary measures to convince MPs to support Sheikh Jaber. In a related development, sources revealed the leaders and members of Salafi Group met Thursday to finalize their stand on the no-confidence motion. Rumor has it that the group agreed to support the motion during the meeting and the government might be in big trouble in case the three Salafi MPs announce their decision not to support the minister because the undecided MPs will most likely follow in their footsteps. MP Adel Al-Saraawi, one of the undecided MPs, seems to be gearing towards supporting the no-confidence motion which, sources say, is aimed at obtaining support from his colleagues in case he presses ahead with the grilling of Deputy Premier for Economic Affairs and State Minister for Housing and Administrative Development Affairs Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahd Al-Sabah. On the other hand, MP Dr Maasouma Al-Mubarak reaffirmed her full support to Sheikh Jaber soon after the grilling session last Tuesday, reports Al-Nahar daily.
Al-Mubarak explained the no-confidence motion will be presented eight days after the grilling. She said the MPs have a right to express their opinion regarding the issue, and the government will also participate in the vote.
Commending the minister for standing on the grilling podium to clarify all the issues highlighted in the grilling request, especially alleged embezzlement of public funds, Al-Mubarak asserted there is no point in asking the minister to face a no-confidence motion as he has responded adequately to all the questions posed during the interpellation. She added the minister has also referred the election billboards issue to the Public Prosecution, so it is useless to present a no-confidence motion against him.
On the installation of a surveillance camera at Erada Square, Al-Mubarak argued these cameras are essential in maintaining peace and order in the country and should not be misconstrued as an attempt to restrict people's freedom or 'spy' on the activities of MPs.
Moreover, Al-Mubarak affirmed the parliamentary committees will continue their work during the summer break to look into a number of pending issues and prepare reports, which will be presented to the Parliament in the next legislative round.
© Arab Times 2009
