KUWAIT: Tensions could rise with the opening of the next parliamentary term, with a number of MPs already preparing to discuss several sensitive issues, led by the financing of the development project and the enforcement of public sector employees' bonuses. In the meantime, the cabinet is reportedly working hard to finalize work on these particular issues prior to the beginning of next term in order to avert confrontation with MPs. Within the parliamentarians' ranks, it is widely felt that it has become essential to address all issues concerning the financial allowances paid to public sector workers.

With the Civil Service Commission compelled to await the go-ahead from the cabinet before it can approve payments for any group or body, MPs are protesting that the cabinet has so far failed to endorse the public sector workers' bonuses and insisting that it should approve these payments immediately in order for them to be paid as soon as possible.

A large number of MPs are also urging the cabinet to address the disparities between the amounts paid to different workers at the same grade, which have reached up to KD 500 per month in some cases. "We urge the cabinet to finalize the issue of financial allowances, which have been approved and listed in the CSC's work schedule for some time," said MP Hussein Huraiti, who also called for an increase in public sector retirees' pensions.

Another MP, Jamaan Al-Harbish, condemned the cabinet's approach to dealing with the funding of development projects, saying that this reflects the government's vulnerability to pressure and bargaining in running the country. Speaking at the Islamic Constitutional Movement's (ICM) women's movement's annual Ramadan gathering, Al-Harbish said that the controversy surrounding the funding of the development projects began after members of the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) objected to the idea o
f establishing a government fund for this purpose.

The issue has been a subject of heated debate amongst a number of parliamentarians who have held several meetings to discuss the issue, including the members of the Popular Action Bloc, according to one insider, who indicated that the discussions have focused on coming to a mutually acceptable agreement concerning the creation of a special fund to help finance the projects.

Another of those present at the Ramadan gathering, MP Adnan Al-Mutawa'a, urged the cabinet to refrain from extending the tenure of Undersecretaries, Assistant Undersecretaries and other senior officials whose terms in office have ended. He also expressed hope that the government would have the "courage" to prosecute the officials who were proven to have taken part in corrupt activities.

In a separate development, MP Khalid Al-Adwa has submitted a number of parliamentary questions to Minister of Public Works and Municipality Affairs Dr. Fadhil Safar concerning reports that the Eighth Ring Road project is to be cancelled, reported Al-Watan. Emphasizing the project's importance to the country and its inclusion in the government's development plan, Al-Adwa said that "it would help to save lives by providing a stable route for military artillery and heavy goods vehicles. - Kuwait Times