(MENAFN- Arab Times) His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on Friday addressed the nation about the latest developments in the country and how to overcome the challenges facing it.
"I have followed with sorrow, pain and serious concern the latest developments in Kuwait," HH the Amir said. "I say sorrow ... for what I see of threats of chaotic sedition that could jeopardize our country, undermine our national unity, distort our identity, dismember our society and turn us into divided groups, conflicting parties and sects acting against each other and bearing grudge and hostility to each other.
I see all these and wonder: Is this Kuwait, which was the model for unity, tolerance, and solidarity?" "I say pain ... for what I see of abhorrent rhetoric and ethics in public dealing and working and serious violation of all norms and traditions, rejection and disrespect of the other, growing extremism, inclination to chaos and riot and trespassing all acceptable limits in offenses.
I see all these and wonder: Is this Kuwait, which was known by the great ethics of its people and their credibility, loyalty, tolerance, moderation and respect of the state constants?"
"I say concern ... for the dangers that threaten our dear country and the future of our grandchildren if this present situation drags on."
HH the Amir went on to say that the repeated crises and problems cripple the state and its development plans.
"This is the situation now. We go to bed while we have a certain crisis and wake up to another one. Countries are moving forward but we are standing still, if not lagging behind. Yes, there is some failure in some state institutions as it is the case in other countries, but how we can make a reform in an atmosphere that full of unreal crises that distract attention and waste efforts."
HH the Amir regretted the irresponsible behavior of some people towards the state interests.
The Amir went on to say: "It is painful and regrettable that these crises which stymie our country and threaten its security is the making of some compatriots whom we have hoped they will share the responsibility of national action through their cooperation with the government to lead Kuwait toward a better future,"
He regretted there are some people who insist on impeding the national march and imposing their own will on the whole nation by spreading strange concepts and values on the whole society, while rejecting dialogue. "They take streets and squares as a platform to instigate people and push youth towards stray path regardless of the State's security and stability."
The Amir reminded everyone that Kuwait is a state of law and institutions.
"Kuwait is a democratic country, ruled by constitution and law and has an independent judiciary," he reminded.
Sheikh Sabah reiterated that different points of view should not cause conflicts or animosity.
"We should not be anxious about differences in view points over all national issues, but reform should be based on positive dialogue, ethics and sincere desire for finding the best solutions away from instigation, exclusion, accusations of betrayal to others and protecting the state constants," he said.
The Amir underlined Kuwait's full abidance by the democratic approach and the constitution.
"But, aware societies should learn from the mistakes, readjust their march, overcome failures and make use of experiments and choose whatever it is suitable to their circumstances, potential and ambitions," he said.
Sheikh Sabah laid it bare that Law No. 42/2006 on the election constituencies was aimed to redress the negativities of the previous electoral system by means of cutting the number of constituencies and boosting the number of voters.
Despite some positive aspects, the application of this system through three successive parliaments showed a set of imbalances and problems that pose a serious threat to national unity, security, constants and values, he added.
"It has fomented sectarianism and tribalism over the loyalty to the nation, and helped the creation of new coalitions, not based on the state interests, as well as to the exclusion of some segments in the society from parliamentary representation."
The Amir went on to say that to tackle this situation is a national must. "Tackling this situation has become a national must and requires immediate action. But the views of some constitutional experts about the unconstitutionality of the electoral system have prevented me from taking any action that could lead to legal chaos or political dilemma if the constitutional court ruled against the law.
In this context, the Amir said he had instructed the government to prepare a draft law including partial amendment to the electoral system to protect national unity, bolster the democratic practice and achieve equality among all Kuwaitis.
"I also express my confidence in the upcoming National Assembly's ability to thoroughly revise the law and remove other negative aspects to achieve our national goals."
To support the democratic practice and ensure fair and free elections, HH the Amir also ordered the government to prepare a draft law on the foundation of a national election commission.
"I have also asked the government to prepare a draft law on protecting national unity and fighting hatred, together with a draft law on countering graft," he said.
The Amir warned that any action that threatens the state's national unity and stability will not be condoned.
"Any irresponsible acts under any banner won't be accepted," he said.
"We will not condone street chaos, riot or any action that stymies public life and work. We will not allow seeds of seditions to be grown in our dear country. We will not allow violence and chaos to spread among our youth. We will not let anybody mislead our dear youth with illusions and lies. We will not allow the hijacking of the nation's will through empty calls and false heroism." The Amir concluded his speech by praying to Almighty God to protect Kuwait and its people from all evils.
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