Court rejects petition against anti-corruption authority
Opposition MPs demand ousting ‘crisis’ ministers
KUWAIT: The constitutional court, whose rulings are final, yesterday said the law establishing the Anti-Corruption Authority is in line with the constitution and the country’s law, rejecting a petition against the authority. The petition was filed by a number of top judges who cited a breach of the constitution by the law establishing the Authority because the legislation allows it oversee the work of judges.
Under the AntiCorruption law, the authority has the right to investigate suspected cases of corruption against state officials, MPs and even judges a number of whom decided to contest the law. The ruling by Kuwait’s top court means that the AntiCorruption Authority is constitutional and cannot be dissolved by any party. It also means giving the authority added powers to conduct its duties in pursuing corruption cases against senior officials.
Opposition MP Riyadh Al-Adasani welcomed the ruling and wished the head and members of the Anti-Corruption Authority all success in its work with transparency and integrity to safeguard public funds and interests against misuse of power. The liberal National Democratic Alliance (NDA) also welcomed the ruling and urged the Authority to commence its work with full force after the constitutional court ruling. Secretary General of NDA Bashar AlSayegh said that a number of corruption cases against former ministers and officials should be investigated as soon as possible to either refer them to court for trial or shelve them for insufficient evidence. He said that the Authority should adopt transparency in its work in order to win the trust and the support of citizens in fighting against corruption. Opposition MP Shuaib Al-Muwaizri yesterday called on the prime minister who has been asked to form the new cabinet to oust those ministers who have failed to perform their duties and select statesmen who are capable of shouldering the responsibility towards the country and the people amid prevailing regional conditions. He reiterated the lawmakers’ desire to cooperate with the government but will not let violations pass without accountability.
MP Mohammad Hayef said that the call for restraint does not only target lawmakers but also the government, adding that the government is required to leave out ministers who cause political crises if it aims to serve public interests. The government resigned last week after 10 MPs filed a no-confidence motion against Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs and acting information minister Sheikh Mohammad AlAbdullah Al-Sabah following a grilling in the assembly.
Authority entitled to investigate suspected corruption cases