‘True opposition vital for reform’

‘Boycotters’ can help stem the rot

“I WAS not planning to write about justifications given by politician to participate in the next parliamentary elections under the ‘one man one vote’ system were it not for the hectic campaign that has been waged against members of the so-called majority bloc who seem determined to take part in the next elections,” columnist and former MP

wrote for daily Sunday. “However, those who have waged this campaign argue the members of the majority bloc had earlier sworn before the public that their boycott in the parliamentary elections will continue as long as the ‘one man one vote’ system remained valid. They say the members of the majority bloc must remain committed to their pledge.

“Not just that, it looks like these campaigners have dug for documents in the archive and found some video tapes whereby the ‘MPs of the majority bloc’ taking a vow not to participate in any parliamentary elections under the ‘one man one vote’ system. These people have not hesitated to play these video tapes in public for self satisfaction.

“However, we had earlier confirmed repeatedly that our conviction against the ‘one many one vote’ election system shall remain unchanged, because we still believe that this system is not appropriate for Kuwait. Moreover, this system damages the public interest. Not only that, this system constitutes a danger for the future of the country because it will produce inefficient representatives.

“Given the above, we are determined to boycott this sys- tem. In this context, we say during that time we were under the impression that the sit-in at the ‘Irada (Will) Square’ and the peaceful demonstrations shall help nullify this electoral system, but what actually happened on the ground went against all expectations because the sit-ins and demonstrations were oppressed in an unprecedented manner.

“Moreover, the security authorities practiced violence in an unjustifiable manner to such an extent we venture to say the securitymen dealt with the popular movement as if they were dealing with a ‘coup d’état’ and this resulted in us believing we were on a battlefield.

“In other words, the Ministry of Interior, not only foiled the peaceful movement and the opposition political plans, rather it went beyond that in the form of psychiatric and physical suppression practiced against the political activists which ended in some of the Kuwaitis losing their citizenship and even some of the newspapers which supported the opposition lost their licences and other opposition figures were sent into exile.

“Apart from the above, the concerned authorities in the country issued laws with the aim of gagging the mouths of the opposition members and these legislations got the blessing of the ‘one man one vote’ National Assembly.

“Not just that, the oppressive actions were actually crowned by sending one of the opposition figures to jail. Hence, it was but natural to see the opposition being paralyzed and put a dent in the popular movement.

“In the midst of such atmosphere, however, the popular movement no longer constituted an appropriate solution for the crisis. Not just that, the associations and the repercussions of the boycott had become a heavy burden on the shoulders of the people.

“Moreover, this boycott led to rampant corruption, the deterioration seeped into every department and government agency and ended with the government imposing taxes on the people and as a result people began to grumble and blamed those who boycotted the parliamentary elections and urged the ‘boycotters’ to rethink their decision not to participate in future polls.

“However, the above happened after the opposition success in exposing the ‘one man one vote’ elections system. Moreover, the opposition proved to the public that their opinion over this system and its poor output was correct.

“Consequently, we suggest that for the time being the boycott is no longer feasible, particularly since we know that the concerned authorities still insist to continue with the ‘one man one vote’ elections system and this means the participation in the next parliamentary elections had become inevitable to stop the state of deterioration and corruption in the country and also to stop the violations committed by the security authorities in addition to exerting necessary attempts to change the ‘one man one vote’ election system.

“Anyway, some people may argue that this change will be realized only through a parliamentary majority, but we would like to tell these people that ten of the reform MPs or may be less than that will be enough to do a lot in this connection.

“But with regard to those who suggest that the opposition should have not taken part in the next parliamentary elections, we tell them that the boycott of the elections is no longer valid given the deterioration that currently prevails in the country and because the people are now holding those who boycotted the elections responsible for this state of affairs. The same people will thank us in future for stopping this deterioration.”

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Al-Duwailah

“I would like hereby to narrate a significant story … the story about a well-known surgeon who was seen at a garage where the engine of his car was being repaired,” columnist wrote for daily Sunday.

“The mechanics had opened the engine of the car and were changing the damaged part with new and had repaired some of the parts. Later the mechanics told the physician can we ask you a question and the latter after pondering for some time, gave a nod.

“The mechanics told the doctor, there is no difference between you and us. We open and repair the hearts of the cars and you repair the hearts of humans, yet we are paid so little and you so much. Why this huge difference?

“The doctor responded if you can repair the car when the engine is running you will be entitled to the same salary as I take. Here the story and the argument ended.

“But the argument is still valid. In other words, we in Kuwait are fed up of the ‘mechanics’ that cannot repair anything unless it stops. We at the moment are in dire need of ‘fifty surgeons’ who can restore the vitality of our country without stopping the pulse from time to time because from time to time we find ourselves in front of different refreshing apparatuses.

“As a matter of fact, we need ‘experienced surgeons’. In other words, we are in need of MPs who are capable of representing our people in the next Parliament, particularly in terms of dealing with the legislation issues, control and exerting of attempts to bring about the renaissance of the country and rescue it from the claws of bureaucracy and favoritism and restore its image as the ‘bride of the Gulf’.

“It is needless to say if these fifty MPs or may be even two-thirds of them stay away from prying eyes of the media so that we will not feel frightened for the future of our children.”

“Since the enactment of the Cybercrime Law, the number of cases has been increasing — more than 2,600 within the current year alone and most of which are defamation cases,” columnist retired Major General wrote for daily.

“Although the Cybercrimes Directorate consists of specialized officers who work 24/7 on complaints they receive by phone and conduct investigations, two thirds of the cybercriminals are unknown. Lack of equipment and technical devices for the officers to identify owners of fake accounts are just some of the obstacles they face in performing their duties.

“The government allocated a budget of KD 5 million for the establishment of a technical server through which the main Internet cable that provides services to Internet companies will be connected. This will help control fake accounts on various social networking sites.

“Meanwhile, the Ministry of Communications did not establish the electronic divider saying it is the duty of the Public Authority for Communications which is responsible for Internet and related companies. Unless the electronic divider is ready, most cybercrimes will remain unsolved despite the tremendous efforts exerted by officers at the Cybercrimes Directorate. More officers should be assigned in the directorate to ensure efficient handling of the rising number of complaints.”

“Cooperation between the executive and legislative authorities was distinguished in the past Parliament, in addition to calmness of the situation which was a clear indication that the previous Parliament would continue until the end of its term. At least, it was what many had betted on,” columnist

wrote for daily. “Now that the Parliament has been dissolved, the next Parliament will witness 40 to 50 percent change as it happens in every parliamentary election. Among these changes is the return of some former MPs while some voters would want to see extra appeasement, especially on the fuel price hike issue.

“Another change is the participation of those who boycotted elections in the past in protest of the ‘onevote decree’. Although their decision to participate might be against their conviction, the main element of their success is the tribal support they enjoy. However, this could backfire if voters in their respective constituencies decide to discipline them for going against their word.

“Another expected change is the formation of the government, as some of the previous faces will disappear. With regard to speakership of the Parliament, this will be clearer after the registration of politicians is completed and once their names are known.”

“It has been said that when the Mongols invaded the Islamic world where they killed, looted and destroyed, Muslims were unable to repel the aggression due to their division, up to a point where a Mongolian would tell a Muslim to stand and wait for him to get his sword so he could kill him and the Muslim would obey,” columnist wrote for daily.

“Many are thinking that the ongoing onslaught on Muslims is not worse than what Muslims in the past went through during the Mongols’ invasion. Muslim countries are shocked by the situation, as they are unable to stop the aggression. Every television channel you turn to, you go from bad to worse — images of fire in every corner of the region.

“Worst of all, our leaders are keen on declaring friendship with our enemies. They even cry in the enemies’ funerals while rushing to buy the latter’s weapons and distribute gifts to them. Muslim countries combating injustice and enemies are facing conspiracy and accusations aimed at crippling them. All it takes for everyone to go against such country is a single mistake.

“Countries are being attacked with all kinds of miserable weapons and only humble efforts are seen to change the situation just like what happened in Egypt, Syria, Iraq and Libya. This makes me feel sad, aggrieved, sorrowful and worthless, as I dread the situation of my nation — the Islamic nation.”

“The government has gone — it has resigned. The parliament is gone too. However, the outstanding problems and issues concerning citizens have unfortunately not been solved for the past three years. Nepotism and corruption have increased in public institutions as a result of MPs’ actions,”

wrote for daily. “We wish to see an economic vision that can build a country. However, it is apparent that this file has never received the attention it deserved. Unemployment issue still remains the same. Some of the ministers have neglected the scandalous issues, which will come to bite us, while the country will continue to pay for the price of these scandals. Ministry of Health’s scandal of overseas medical treatment case tops the scandals in the country especially since KD 7 million was spent for this purpose, majority of which went for tourism and political purposes with the aim of pleasing some people.

“Personally, I do not care about the upcoming elections because the Kuwaiti society is still voting for its representatives based on political, tribal and family considerations. Those who get elected to the parliament will certainly serve his coterie. This is why we will be spending the next few years on the same course.

“The State Audit Bureau has registered many financial frauds and embezzlement of public funds. Some MPs and ministers were poor before they came to power, but today they are out dreaming of a comeback after amassing millions of dinars fraudulently.

“I will conclude by differentiating between a thief and a politician. A thief steals from you without any consideration of the law but a politician uses the law to steal from you. A normal thief steals your money, bag, watch or mobile phone but a political thief robs your future, dreams, work, education and health. In addition, a normal thief chooses their prey to steal from but a political thief is chosen by us.”

— Compiled by Zaki Taleb