KUWAIT: Former MP and minister Ahmed Baqer strongly slammed the government's decision to allow expats to be hired as managers in more than one private sector company, noting that the decision was against all development plans that call for increasing the number of citizens working for the private sector. "We expected the government to restrict some jobs like public relations and novice legal staff to Kuwaitis, as we have enough citizens in these fields," he said, calling for following in Saudi Arabia's footsteps in this regard.

New ministers express appreciation

Newly-appointed Health Minister Dr Jamal Al-Harbi thanked His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah for their trust and for choosing him in this critical period. He promised to work hard with ministry officials and staff to develop healthcare services with a general motto of 'excellence in healthcare, enhancing trust in the health system and full cooperation with various ministries'.

Meanwhile, Minister of Social Affairs and Labor and Minister of State for Economic Affairs Hind Al-Subaih also expressed appreciation for the trust bestowed in her and stressed that the coming period will be highly significant. Speaking to reporters after announcing the new Cabinet formation, Subaih stressed that she will carry on with what she had already began concerning economic issues, diversifying national income resources, developing manpower, going ahead with development plan projects and finishing automation projects. Subaih confirmed her keenness on equal law-enforcement on everybody and protecting citizens' rights.

In the meantime, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khaled Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah affirmed determination to spare no effort for preserving the State of Kuwait security and stability. Speaking in aftermath of declaring the cabinet, minister Sheikh Khaled Al-Jarrah told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) he would fully cooperate with "all parties to ensure continuity of the process of progress and development in the country." Hoping that aspirations of the political leadership would be attained, the minister re-emphasized that he would do his best to safeguard the country's security and stability, assuring citizens that the ministry's services would be improved.

By A Saleh