‘Rumors spread to fuel disunity’

‘Kuwait overcomes hurdles in virus fight’

“THE government went ahead in terms of its race with the events following the spread of the corona virus pandemic,” columnist and lieutenant general (ret)

wrote for daily. “In this connection, we say the government performance in dealing with such a pandemic, actually got the admiration of the World Health Organization (WHO) as it declared Kuwait as an example to be followed in this respect, and this performance was lauded by the American and the European specialists in addition to the People’s Republic of China as well as the Asian Tigers.

“In other words, the State of Kuwait, managed to go ahead in its own way to achieve the targeted objective although it faced some difficulties and obstructions at the outset of the crisis and this was represented by the arrival of a big number of our brothers residing in foreign countries where some states, especially during the adoption of the plan, as well as the difficulties that delay the evacuation of citizens around the world in order to provide the appropriate medical supplies during their return to ensure their safety and of other citizens in general.

“However, the relevant difficulties and obstructions, were on the verge of impeding the big march, but by the virtue of blessing of Almighty Allah and support and wise direction of our leader His Highness the Amir of the Humanity Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad, we pray to Almighty Allah to protect him and the determined attitude of HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled and the solidarity shown by ministers in general and that of the Deputy Premier, the Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs and the Minister of Interior, the Minister of Health and the Minister of Commerce and Industry etc, in addition to the significant solidarity and cooperation that is shown by the Kuwaiti people represented by the Kuwaiti National Assembly topped by its Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim in addition to the organizations of the Civil Community, the country succeeded in its mission.

“In the meantime, we may have observed that in spite of the above, some defects appear on the horizon, related to the previous eras where the outcomes were against the country’s interests, let alone many government authorities showed enthusiasm towards untraditional efforts, but without exerting practical efforts for achieving the relevant objectives.

“Anyway, through all of the successes and achievements, what calls for perplexity and doubt is a wave of daily opinions and it would be difficult for the readers to verify the soundness of the same as well as the facts of its scientific and practical sources in view of the great number of these opinions.

“Meanwhile, we should not forget the abnormal rumors promoted by those who mostly strive to agitate seditions and divisions in the country to undermine the atmosphere of security, safety and charity in the country although the latter is known as the country of humanity which currently enjoys the concern of the entire world.

“My question: Are there government or private bodies accredited by the absentee from the decision department? Are those who express their opinions through smart means of communication not affiliated with any public authority, and if so, what is the reason for tweeting out of tune?

“I am really searching and seeking the truth for the safety and security of the country.

“In conclusion, we pray to Almighty Allah to protect the State of Kuwait, her Amir, her Crown Prince and her people from all of seditions as well as from all of the devilish actions and bring to an end the current ordeal.”

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Al-Ansari

“Many countries have started easing the restrictions imposed on their population as a result of the corona pandemic by allowing them to go out, and opening the public parks and many other economic activities. Some have even set dates for the return of schools and universities,” Retired Major General

wrote for daily.

“Several others have maintained full or partial closure in the context of containing the health situation. We, in Kuwait are still observing the closure almost completely, in terms of economic activities through the implementation of necessary precautionary measure but sadly, many people do not comply, amid opinions calling for the opening of economic activities in the country.

“There is no doubt that our government has endured a lot in order to contain the epidemic and working hard to curb the rate of infection. Schools and businesses have been closed for almost three months and resulted in a new situation that requires a deliberate plan when mitigating the precautionary measures that must be imposed by decisions in order to be binding on government and private institutions.

“The first of the measures is the application of social distancing rule during work by reducing the number of employees at the workplace at a time, and organizing their work times, given that the majority of offices at various agencies have large numbers of employees, not forgetting the gathering of visitors outside the government agencies, especially in summer.

“Here comes the service to complete transactions remotely, and in case of attendance, make an application for government agencies to take appointments in organizing visits to the government and private institutions.

“The Municipality should also reduce the number of tables in the restaurants to the minimum, as it’s noted that restaurant owners do not leave a distance and take advantage of the space. At the same time, the elderly and children must adhere to staying home.

“Concerned government officials are aware of the importance of completing online transactions (online), as the initiative will undoubtedly mitigate the many visits as personal attendance is not required. They must work to develop it so that there will be no interruption that may result in violations.

“It also requires the Ministry of Education to consider easing the classroom density in public and private schools when schools open. Public transportation companies must also reduce the number of passengers on buses.

“The Central Bank should also direct the banks to an important matter, as the current situation of customers gathering outside the banks is not appropriate for the summer, which requires adoption of necessary measures toward customers while encouraging them to transact online. These are few points that must be considered by those concerned before announcing the start of work to preserve public health”.

“As long as we are living in the midst of the coronavirus crisis, we are in dire need of reviewing ourselves at all levels to transform the deadly crisis into an occasion that would change our situation for the better, especially as we’ll face lean years due to our battle with this pandemic that is taking a toll on the economy, in addition to the health, social and political challenges, and countless lawsuits,” columnist wrote for

daily. “We have no choice toward getting out of this hurricane with minimal losses, except to seek the assistance of personalities who are blessed with rescue mindsets, and capable of managing crises to come up with safe solutions and alternatives that would prevent us from further drowning in the corridors of bureaucracy, superficial speculations, and resorting to improvised or reconciliatory decisions. We will remain in a vicious cycle of controversy and hesitation if we continue on the path of wasting opportunities and initiatives that would help reduce our “distance” toward recovery.

“It is not desirable after our war with this pandemic to restore the same faces that led the crisis, except for those who were diligent but in general, they’re few according to the pulse of the street. As for the majority, we have no need for them, especially with the PR stunts being witnessed in recent times, while real achievements are nowhere to be seen. Major question marks are raised over the general performance and direct financial contracts that are wrapped in suspicion to a degree that might lead to the opening of a file titled: ‘Corona crisis violations’.

“The conscious and influential class in society, from real intellectuals, enlightened media and independent politicians, is demanding an atmosphere of positive change that reflects what prevailed, and the formation of a pressing public opinion that pushes the decision-makers to the side of outdated mechanisms in the selection of who runs the governmental body, and who decodes problems, and who comes up with solutions.

“The question is: shall we truly resort to the creative rescue mindset or return to the outdated habit and rejoice at the repetition of scenes and propaganda by characters due to our failure to benefit from our past.”

“Article 153 of the Penal Code effectively gives men regulatory, judicial and executive power over their female kin in blatant disregard of the Constitution (in case of adultery be it his wife, sister, daughter, or mother) and immediately kills her and kills the suspect or kills both; he is punished with imprisonment for a period not exceeding three years and a fine not exceeding three thousand rupees, or one of these two penalties,” columnist wrote for

daily. “This law was issued 60 years ago, during which great events have occurred and mankind has evolved socially and from the humanitarian point of view which cannot be imagined given the depth of its consequences.

“The unjust and backward text of Article 153 remained unchanged, because our legislators are often preoccupied with trivial issues. How can we accept today that a person kills his wife, sister, mother, or daughter, and he is fined no more than 225 dinars, to go out freely? And what are the forces of reaction and backwardness waiting to demand from liberals to change such unjust and inhuman laws?

“In a historical ruling a judgment related to honor crimes was issued by the Criminal Court, in which the judiciary won the rights of women.

“The court ruled the accused shall be sentenced to death and charged with premeditated murder, and it is not permissible to open the door wide, as is happening now, and has been happening for centuries, which ruled in honor crimes a man cannot be put to death, but fined 225 dinars and put behind bars for no more than three years or either one of the punishment.

“And the issue becomes tragic when we know that what is similar to this law is applied in many Islamic countries, especially Arab, and was the reason for many murders, after which the victim was found to be innocent and in some cases that she was even a virgin.

“Consequently, it was necessary to reduce the blood chain, and to send a message to all those who adhered to Article 153 of the Penal Code, which most legal persons consider legislation and a license for every man to commit an honor crime as soon as he doubts the behavior of his kin.”

“Disguised unemployment consists of the working class that does not produce much in the government sector. They wait for the availability of government jobs. This class is a prisoner of educational outcomes as most graduates go to the public sector. Over time, this sector swelled and it could no longer absorb more,” columnist wrote for daily.

“Most workers in the government sector, especially in our oil establishments, are persuasive and unproductive. They take salaries without charge, and the policy of their countries states their employment is required.

“There are three social classes: capitalists, middle class and the working class. Now, a new class has been added – the disguised unemployment class. What is the problem of this class?

“The definition of disguised unemployment class is summarized as follows: they have university educational qualifications and below. They work in the government sector without productivity. This class is a new product in the historical stage experienced by the Arab world after the emergence and expansion of the middle class.

“Then, the disguised unemployment class emerged in large numbers with weak productivity in developing countries! This class is protected by academic qualification and the identity of citizenship.

“The problem is that it has become a general phenomenon, and it is not limited in number and influence, as they race to obtain a degree to join this class, in addition to waiting for early retirement! This includes women and men.”

— Compiled by Zaki Taleb