Fifth constituency candidate Faisal Al-Khalidy’s poster, with a motto that reads ‘Together for a better future... Youth will make their voice heard.’

KUWAIT: Fifth constituency parliamentary candidate Faisal Al-Khalidy said the youth have many concerns and problems that were not tackled in the previous National Assembly. He said more than 30,000 Kuwaiti youth suffer from unemployment, while most of them have postgraduate degrees in various specialties.

Khalidy told Kuwait Times he is looking forward to an Assembly of achievements, as the coming years will be tough and "we are in need of a strong Assembly that can defend citizens' rights, especially over the government's shortcomings". He said despite the financial abundance the state enjoys, there is clear evidence of a lack of financial management to resolve citizens' problems. He said it is necessary to pay attention to education because it contributes to the development of the society and the human element, and without it countries cannot progress.

Youth concerns

Kuwait Times: As you belong to the youth category, have you placed youth concerns, sufferings and demands in your program?

Faisal Al-Khalidy: Youth have concerns, problems and issues that were not dealt with justice in the previous Assembly. More than 30,000 Kuwaiti youth are unemployed and most of them have postgraduate degrees in various specialties.

KT: How do you predict the formation of the next Assembly will be?

Khalidy: We are looking forward to an Assembly of achievements, as the coming years will be tough and we are in need of a strong Assembly that can defend citizens' rights, as the government is ineffective.

KT: Is there a problem with financial resources that causes some of the problems in the country?

Khalidy: Despite the financial abundance the state enjoys, it is clear there is a lack of patriotic sense to resolve citizen's problems.

Treatment abroad

KT: What are your views or treatment abroad during the three years of parliament?

Khalidy: The budget for treatment abroad reached more than KD 600 million because of sending those who don't deserve it abroad. I demand a serious pause to tackle this issue.

KT: What is the solution in your view to reduce expenses of treatment abroad?

Khalidy: Among the most feasible solutions is to sign contracts with specialist doctors from abroad and bring them to hospitals here, so that money can be saved.

Education

KT: Does education have a place in your program?

Khalidy: It is necessary to take interest in education because it contributes to the true development of the society.

KT: Is there a defect in the current school curricula that needs correction?

Khalidy: Yes, the current curricula do not provide any benefit to students and should be replaced. Teaching methods need to be developed too.

Bedoons

KT: The bedoon issue has been ignored by many candidates. What is your opinion?

FK: The bedoon issue should be resolved, as there are many who have sacrificed their wealth and children for the service of the country, and it is necessary that they receive their rights in full.

By Meshaal Al-Enezi