Kuwait- MPs plan to grill Labour minister for sports crisis 

(MENAFN - Arab Times) Some lawmakers, including Parliament Secretary MP Dulaihi Al-Hajri, have announced their plan to submit a grilling request against Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Dr Mohammad Afasi for his failure to punish the Public Authority for Youth and Sport (PAYS) officials, who are allegedly behind the suspension of Kuwait in international tournaments.

Speaking to reporters Sunday Al-Hajri said, "We hold the minister responsible as he has negotiated and signed agreements with the International Olympics Committee (IOC). He also agreed to form a delegation from PAYS to discuss the issue with IOC and promised to end the problem within a certain period."

Accusing some PAYS officials of taking aimless decisions which prompted international organizations to ban Kuwait from participating in international competitions, Al-Hajri pointed out these officials had dissolved the board of directors of 10 clubs. He asserted the officials have also failed to implement stipulations in the agreements they had signed with IOC, resulting in the dissolution of the PAYS board of directors and termination of its director.

Al-Hajri stressed the government must take a strong stand regarding the crisis at the sports sector. He also attributed the suspension of Kuwait to the failure of the minister and PAYS to play their roles in protecting Kuwaiti athletes.

Wondering if the reinstatement of the board of directors of 10 sports clubs is detrimental to the government, Al-Hajri pointed out the government should have presented a draft bill on amending the sports law in accordance with the demands of IOC. He also accused the minister, PAYS and some parties of instigating the sports crisis.

Al-Hajri argued the minister and PAYS have been given enough time to address the pending issues. He warned the lawmakers will not remain silent over the delayed action of the concerned authorities, especially since the Kuwaitis are paying a high price for this negligence. He then reiterated the need to hold the minister accountable for these mistakes.

By: Abubakar A. Ibrahim