KUWAIT: Kuwait was yesterday rocked by a series of political developments after HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah respectfully declined the PM's post after the Amir renamed him for the job. The Amir also sacked two senior ministers - defense minister Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and interior minister Sheikh Khaled Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah - for feuding in public and trading accusations.


KUWAIT: HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah receives outgoing Prime Minister HH Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah at Bayan Palace yesterday. - KUNA


But the main development was the denial of Sheikh Jaber to form the new Cabinet, which means his resignation as head of the government, paving the way for appointing a new prime minister. Sheikh Jaber was appointed to the post some eight years ago following anti-corruption street demonstrations against the former prime minister HH Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, who resigned.


Sheikh Jaber was highly praised by HH the Amir for doing a great job and serving the country. In his letter of denial, the outgoing premier said what prevented him from accepting the offer to form the new Cabinet is scores of accusations and fabrications that filled media outlets and social media that falsely and wrongly undermined his integrity and reputation.
He said those baseless accusations "regrettably originated from a colleague and a brother with whom we have been enjoying strong relations for the past 40 years, which could lead to grave consequences at all levels". Sheikh Jaber said he felt he needed to prove his innocence and honesty, and therefore he decided to apologize for not accepting the offer to form the next Cabinet.


Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem said he understood the motives of the outgoing premier declining to form the next Cabinet, a step that he should be commended for to clear his name in the court of law. Ghanem said HH the Amir will start new consultations to appoint a new premier either today or tomorrow.


Opposition MP Riyadh Al-Adasani said the move by Sheikh Jaber is a step in the right direction which should be praised, especially after the issues that have been raised and following grillings submitted against him. He called on the new prime minister to form a strong Cabinet that is capable of fulfilling the aspirations of the people and which has a comprehensive reform program.

By B Izzak