Sheikh Jaber talks one-vote system, austerity, youth, conscription, past posts

HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah

KUWAIT: HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah yesterday said security is a key challenge, and if it is restored, will lead to stability and consequently economic development. He was speaking in an interview with the National Assembly's TV station late yesterday.

Sheikh Jaber stressed that the waves of the so-called Arab Spring were an "illusion", as HH the Amir said during the Arab Summit in Jordan, adding that "our Arab world was in chaos, which affected nations". The so-called Arab Spring created several crises in many countries, in addition to the displacement of millions of people. Hundreds of thousands were killed and many others were wounded. Terrorism also spread intensively in the aftermath of the revolutions that broke out in the Arab countries.

The premier stressed that HH the Amir's vision of the "one person, one vote" system aims to provide equal opportunity to all the country's segments running for parliament. He noted that the system helped people from many tribes and categories be elected as MPs in the parliament. The National Assembly consists of 50 members who represent five constituencies, ie 10 MPs from each district.

Sheikh Jaber said dealing with economic hardships should not be at the expense of citizens and is a core responsibility of the nation. In the interview, he said that wasted electricity and water is a serious issue and that "sacrifices should be made to put an end to the squander". Moreover, he cited other issues that have been shrouded in corruption, including allowances to national delegations sent abroad and government budgets. Speaking on development in Kuwait, the prime minister said there has been tangible progress as a slew of infrastructure projects have commenced as of late.

Sheikh Jaber said Kuwaiti youth have amassed accomplishments in sports and education, which is a testament of their desire to attain further success. He noted that he keeps abreast of what circulates on social media, saying all political leaders should be open to criticism. On the government's relationship with the National Assembly, the premier said that the aim is to "establish a relationship founded on trust and we have been fortunate to maintain cordial ties with parliamentary speakers".

Meanwhile, Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak said that the process of appointing ministers is not an easy one and all those chosen are deemed fit for the position. He added that parliament prioritizes health and housing issues, indicating that this was adopted by the executive authority.

In the interview, Sheikh Jaber said the army was not ready for conscription when he was serving as minister of defense. "As a result, I called for reconsidering compulsory military service. The army needed a numerical intensity, but not by this way. The armed forces cannot attract many as it is a tiring job. If a member makes a mistake, he will face a military trial," the premier said. He stressed that he sought to provide incentives to soldiers and officers when he was serving as minister of defense. "The armed forces have progressed greatly and ground forces have become strong," the PM said.

Sheikh Jaber said that ministry of defense during his tenure was supported by 10 billion (he did not specify whether Kuwaiti dinars or US dollars), emphasizing that the Kuwaiti army is defensive in accordance with the constitution, and carries out trainings with armies of a number of Western and Arab countries to share expertise. "We have our Peninsula Shield forces," he added.

Sheikh Jaber remembered the period of drawing up the constitution under the era of late Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem, confirming that it was a source of pride at that time. He said that the constitution showed the vision of Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem that paid much attention to democracy. The premier revealed that he was first appointed at the Amiri Diwan's financial and administrative affairs in 1968.

He noted that he was named governor of Hawally, preceded by HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad at that time. "Hawally governorate included many neighborhoods and a total of 400,000 Palestinian people and the Palestine Liberation Organization's (PLO) office. They (Palestinians) wanted to secure their conferences themselves, but I achieved the mission through our security forces. I took charge of the ministry of social affairs for a short period of time. I knew about chaos and lack of discipline. So I met with undersecretaries and told them that they knew better than me where corruption was. I said I trust you (undersecretaries) and needed help to achieve the mission. I finally succeeded in this job," Sheikh Jaber recalled.  "I was appointed as minister of information, and many officials at the ministry were keen on helping me like Abdulaziz Jafar and Hamad Al-Roumi. We worked as a team." - KUNA