Some MPS hit out at interior minister over ‘Sinstar’ deal
‘Grilling to open door for hard options’
KUWAIT CITY, April 13: A number of lawmakers have launched a scathing attack against First Deputy Premier and Interior Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Humoud due to the decision of the parliamentary Interior and Defense Committee on clearing the latter of suspicions related to the Sinstar contract.
This came after the committee declared that Sinstar is not an Israeli company and the procedures taken for signing the contract were legal.
Sources believe the attack against Sheikh Ahmad is related to his decision on the suspension of the issuance of entry visas for some nationalities like the Syrians and Iranians; in addition to his refusal to succumb to pressure from certain lawmakers who tried to push for the appointment of some individuals to top ministerial positions.
Sources said the attack is considered a hindrance to the efforts exerted by the legislative and executive authorities to strengthen their coordination as manifested in their agreement to suspend deliberations on grilling requests until the next legislative term. Sources added the fierce campaign is led by a lawmaker whose interests got harmed by the decision to suspend the issuance of entry visas.
Meanwhile, a parliamentary source said the persistence of some lawmakers to submit a grilling request against any of the ministers within the current term will open the door for hard options. They disclosed HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak, before leaving for medical checkups, asked Parliament Speaker Ali A-Rashid to ensure that the Parliament comply with the agreement on suspending the grilling requests for public good.
It has been reported the Interior and Defense Committee submitted its report, including the results of the investigation on the contract of the Interior Ministry with Sinstar to install a security system to monitor the borders. MP Faisal AlDuwaisan had alleged that Sinstar is an Israeli company.
The committee held four meetings but Al-Duwaisan did not attend any of them as he urged the panel to summon the Interior, Foreign Affairs and Commerce ministers. Sheikh Ahmad attended the meetings and clarified that the company is Canadian and it is specialized in security monitoring systems.
The committee added that the minister had submitted the documents from the Foreign Affairs Ministry and Customs General Department, while the concerned Canadian authorities are official and accredited.