Kuwait Cabinet discusses judicial reforms, agriculture investigation, humanitarian efforts

The Council of Ministers convened its weekly meeting today, Thursday, 20th March, morning at Bayan Palace, led by Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef.

His Highness’s Praise

At the outset of its meeting, the Cabinet commended the speech delivered by His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, during his visit to the Supreme Judicial Council last Sunday. Accompanied by His Highness the Crown Prince, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled, and Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef, the Amir’s address underscored the importance of justice and the judiciary in upholding the rule of law and serving the nation.

In his speech, His Highness the Amir expressed deep pride in Kuwait’s judiciary, praising its integrity, professionalism, and efficiency in safeguarding rights and ensuring justice. He reaffirmed that no authority stands above the judge in delivering rulings, emphasizing that justice must remain free from personal interests, score-settling, or falsehoods.

His Highness the Amir warned against the dangers of hastily issued judgments that serve biased agendas, likening such actions to outdated fanaticism that threatens national interests. He urged members of the judiciary to act with wisdom, fairness, and a steadfast commitment to upholding justice.

His Highness the Amir outlined key directives for the judiciary, emphasizing the need for swift Kuwaitization of judicial and support positions. He urged judges to uphold fear and piety of God when issuing rulings, ensuring fairness and integrity in their decisions. Additionally, he expressed hope for the expedited resolution of disputes, calling for judicial efficiency and discouraging unnecessary delays in court proceedings over minor reasons.

His Highness the Amir also emphasized the importance of prioritizing Kuwait’s national interest, supporting the oppressed, and ensuring justice while avoiding conflicting rulings in cases with similar facts and circumstances. He reaffirmed that matters related to Kuwaiti nationality are a fundamental aspect of the country’s sovereignty, underscoring the need for consistency and fairness in judicial decisions.

His Highness’s Visits

The Cabinet was also briefed on the visits made by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, accompanied by His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef, to several institutions on Monday and Tuesday. These included the Kuwait Sports Club for the Deaf, the Nabati Poets Diwaniya, the Kuwait Sports Club for the Disabled, and the Kuwait Blind Association, reflecting the leadership’s commitment to engaging with and supporting various segments of society.

Amendment to the Code of Criminal Procedure

Additionally, the Council of Ministers reviewed the recommendation from the Ministerial Committee for Legal Affairs regarding the draft decree-law amending certain provisions of the Criminal Procedures and Trials Law, originally issued under Law No. (17) of 1960. After careful consideration, the Cabinet approved the proposed amendments and decided to submit them to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for final endorsement.

Agricultural Authority

The Council of Ministers also reviewed the report of the Government Performance Follow-up Agency concerning the Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources.

In response, the Cabinet decided to establish an investigation committee to examine the observations and violations highlighted in the agency’s report, as well as those mentioned in the Audit Bureau’s findings.

The committee will be chaired by an advisor from the Fatwa and Legislation Department and will include representatives from the Ministry of Finance, the Financial Controllers Authority, and Kuwait University’s College of Engineering. The committee is tasked with identifying those responsible for any irregularities, investigating any additional issues that may arise during the inquiry, and presenting recommendations and proposals based on its findings.

Furthermore, the committee is required to submit a comprehensive report detailing the results of its investigations and findings to the Government Performance Follow-up Agency within three months from the date of this decision. Based on this report, the Government Performance Follow-up Agency will prepare a final report to be presented to the Council of Ministers, enabling the necessary actions to be taken in response to the findings.

The Last Ten Days

The Council of Ministers also reviewed a briefing by the Minister of Health, Dr. Ahmed Abdulwahab Al-Awadhi, on the Ministry of Health’s plan for the last ten days of Ramadan 1446 AH.

The plan, coordinated with the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, aims to ensure the provision of medical services at various mosques across Kuwait where night prayers will be held during the last ten days of the holy month of Ramadan.

In this context, the Cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that all relevant government agencies contribute effectively to providing the best possible services during the blessed nights of Ramadan. It emphasized the importance of preparing mosques to offer a comfortable environment for worshippers and commemorating these sacred nights with devotion. The Cabinet also prayed for God’s acceptance of good deeds from all.

Reports

The Cabinet reviewed several agenda items, approving some while referring others to the relevant ministerial committees for further study. These committees will prepare detailed reports to facilitate the necessary procedures for their implementation.

Gaza

The Council of Ministers strongly condemned the recent Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip, which resulted in hundreds of casualties; including children, women, and the elderly, further worsening the already dire humanitarian situation.
The Cabinet emphasized that this military escalation constitutes a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement and a deliberate disregard for international laws and conventions.

Kuwait reiterated its call for urgent and decisive action from the international community, particularly the UN Security Council and the sponsors of the ceasefire agreement, to halt the aggression, protect the Palestinian people, and ensure compliance with international obligations.

Syria

The Council of Ministers also strongly condemned the raids carried out by the Israeli occupation forces on Syrian territory, denouncing them as a blatant violation of international law and the United Nations Charter. Kuwait reaffirmed its unwavering stance on respecting Syria’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.

The Cabinet further emphasized the urgent need for the UN Security Council to fulfill its responsibilities in maintaining international peace and security by putting an end to these repeated Israeli violations, which pose a serious threat to the stability of Syria and the wider region.

Source: Al Rai