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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2012
Local
Preparations underway to pass new state budget A rare case in Kuwait history By A. Saleh
KUWAIT: A group of Kuwaiti female activists hosted an event at the Grand Mosque on Monday night focusing on eliminating sectarianism in society. Gatherers held a mass prayer for Kuwait’s safety, security and stability. The event was held in coordination with the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs. —Photos by Fouad Al-Shaikh
KUWAIT: The Ministry of Finance has begun preparations to pass the state’s budget for the fiscal year 2012-2013, according to sources. The process is viewed as ‘a rare case’ in Kuwait’s history, given the fact that it is yet to be enforced by a draft law in the Parliament owing to the present political situation. “Preparations are already underway after most state departments notified the ministry about their requirements for the next fiscal year,” said sources, adding that “the remaining departments will notify before the end of this month.” The Constitutional Court is also expected pass its verdict regarding the constitutionality of the electoral law after the Cabinet challenged the legality of constituencies’ distribution system. The 2009 Parliament, reinstated by a Constitutional Court ruling last June may not be dissolved until after the verdict is passed. Meanwhile, the Parliament has not been able to convene because the opposi-
tion rejects to convene with members facing corruption charges, while pro-government lawmakers on the other hand demand assurances from the Cabinet that a session is not going to be only held as a routine procedure before dissolution. The sources, who requested anonymity, estimated the new budget to remain at KD 24 billion, attributing the increase compared to last year’s budget to “pay raises and allowances enforced to public sector employees in the past year.” Separately, the Islamic Constitutional Movement is reportedly struggling to ‘take itself out of an ordeal’ created when it previously announced boycotting future elections. The issue was highlighted by a heated debate held between members recently, stemming from the realization that voters are likely to take part in elections held in a new distribution of constituencies despite the opposition’s rejection. “Some members believe that by boycotting the elections, the only party losing
would be the ICM itself, whereas its rivals as well as the government will benefit the most,” said sources who spoke on condition of anonymity. They further noted that voices within the group calling for boycotting are “starting to get weaker support, especially after senior members of the Revival of Islamic Heritage Society expressed disapproval of boycotting option.” The ICM is considered the political wing of the RIHS, sources said. In other news, member of the annulled 2012 parliament Nabeel Al-Fadhl continued to slam the opposition by questioning the real reasons behind failure of MPs Ahmad AlSaadoun and Musallam Al-Barrak in responding to attacks made by Dubai police chief Dhahi Al-Khalfan against Kuwait’s opposition bloc. “Al-Barrak might have been tied down by the fact that he currently is undergoing treatment in Dubai, whereas Al-Saadoun’s silence could be connected with the interests of his son Abdul-Aziz in the United Arab Emirates,” Al-Fadhl said.