Minister Accused Of Bias In Hiring

19 April 2019 Kuwait

MPs Mohammed Al-Mutair and Mohammed Hayef submitted Thursday a joint interpellation request against State Minister for Cabinet Affairs Anas Al-Saleh on the following points: destruction of State institutions, injustice that citizens suffer in terms of employment, violations in public tenders and squandering of public funds. Parliament Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim confirmed submission of the request which was referred to the concerned minister.

The request was tabled for discussion in the next parliamentary session. The minister retains the right to request for postponement as the period between submission of the request and the next session is less than two weeks. 
The Speaker expects to receive several other interpellation requests based on the announcements made by MPs recently. While some people think the Assembly will be dissolved due to the influx of interpellation motions, the Speaker stressed this is untrue; affirming the Assembly will do its best to ensure smooth procedures and progress.

The proponents of the grilling pointed out that all forms of corruption have spread and caused “cavities in every joint of the country’s institutional structure, making Kuwait an international corruption swamp.” They said this is the result of the government’s failure to carry out its vital responsibilities such as protecting the structural integrity of the country from the wrongdoings of what they described as “abusers and opportunists.” They also cited Article Eight of the Constitution which mandates the State to preserve the pillars of society; and guarantee security, tranquility and equal opportunities for all citizens.

They added that verses of the Holy Quran and the Hadeeth warn against injustice and any action leading to it. They believe that among the main causes of the deterioration of a civilization are injustice and discrimination based on social and financial status. They accused the minister of being biased in hiring citizens for sensitive positions in the government; especially the Fatwa and Legislation Department where examination results, sources of credentials, grades, overall competence and potentials are irrelevant.

In addition to interference in the Civil Service Commission (CSC), the minister has been pushing for employment exceptions; causing grievances and injustice among honest and more qualified job-seeking citizens, the lawmakers asserted.

On violations in public tenders and squandering of public funds, the MPs cited Article 17 of the Constitution stating that public property is inviolable and its protection is the duty of every citizen; while Article 21 stipulates that all natural wealth and resources are the properties of the State.

The State shall preserve and properly exploit said resources, heedful of its own security and national economy requisites. “However, the Central Agency for Public Tenders (CAPT) monopolized the field in favor of a chosen category,” the MPs stressed.

They said agency has disregarded the recommendations, reports, and notifications of the State Audit Bureau; thereby, granting tenders to undeserving parties.

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