Amir congratulates Info Minister on renewed confidence

KUWAIT: Information Minister Mohammad Al-Jabri yesterday comfortably survived a no-confidence motion filed against him following a marathon grilling last week based on alleged financial and administrative violations. Thirty-four MPs voted against the motion and in support of Jabri, while only 12 lawmakers voted to back the motion and two MPs abstained.


KUWAIT: Information Minister Mohammad Al-Jabri (center) chats with other lawmakers after he survived a no-confidence motion filed against him following a marathon grilling last week. — KUNA

Only elected MPs who are not Cabinet ministers are allowed to vote on no-confidence motions. The voting was taken in a special brief session as per the Kuwaiti constitution which states that voting on no-confidence motions must be carried out eight days after its submission. The minister thanked the government and the National Assembly for renewing confidence in him and vowed to forge ahead with reforms.

During the grilling, the minister had categorically denied the allegations. MP Riyadh Al-Adasani however warned he would file more grillings against the minister if the session was turned into sectarian discussion. Adasani said that the minister has failed to respond to most of the accusations and insisted that financial violations and illegal appointments had increased under the minister especially in the agricultural and sports authorities. MP Saadoun Hammad strongly defended the minister saying that most of the alleged violations were committed before Jabri was appointed in the post and that he had taken steps to reform the situation.

Meanwhile, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah yesterday sent a cable of congratulation to Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Mohammad Al-Jabri. His Highness the Amir hailed the minister's distinguished performance in response to the recent interpellation at parliament. His Highness also lauded MPs' respected and sophisticated democratic practices while grilling the minister.

In the meantime, Assembly Speaker Marzouk Al-Ghanem said yesterday that he has received a motion signed by a number of MPs calling to convene a special session on Sunday to debate a general amnesty draft law. Ghanem said he will call for the session and inform the government to attend. The government attendance is essential to hold the session in addition to the required quorum. Sources expected that the government will not attend the meeting and therefore is unlikely to take place.

By B Izzak