A need today for new blood

KUWAIT CITY, Dec 18: We have to ensure the right application of the constitution in this stage of political volatility in the country, says leading Kuwaiti lawyer, Labeed Abdal, who was talking to the Arab Times Sunday.

‘There is a need for new blood in the Parliament, and as HH the Amir rightly pointed out, the voters have to be more judicious in their choice of candidates. We need highly educated MPs with the caliber to push the line for necessary changes.’ The lawyer further noted that the success of the new Parliament will depend on how much the Parliament and the executive are able to conform to each other’s views, and act in the best interest of the nation.

‘We have to focus on development plans for a promising future for the nation.’To a question on the protests that preceded the dissolution of the Parliament, Labeed Abdal said that it would have been better if those MPs who stoked the protests had instead chosen to use the Parliament and the offices optimally to constructive ends.

The lawyer added that issuing new legislations is the right procedure for reforms. When quizzed about the youth movements that took part in the protests, which were apolitical in their affiliations to MPs, he said the movements were inspired by the Arab Spring, and reflects the deep yearning among the youth for change.

‘The young generation needs better opportunities, employment and transparency in the public affairs. They want to free the nation of corruption and the misuse of public funds.’Labeed Abdal expects to see a change of 20 to 30 percent in the Parliament. ‘There are former MPs who continue to wield a great deal of influence on the voters and who enjoy strong vote banks. So, these MPs will surely make a comeback. ‘However, the MPs, whether they are old faces or new ones, must change their priorities, and appreciate the fact that the people all across the world are fed up of being excluded from the actual decision making process. ‘The Parliament and the government must appreciate the changes taking place in the world and act in accordance with the real aspirations of the people.

If the people are asking for a structural change, leading to greater empowerment of their representatives in the Parliament, then legislations must be passed to make deeper systemic changes.’
By: Valiya S. Sajjad

http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/177445/reftab/36/t/A-need-today-for-new-blood/Default.aspx