(MENAFN- Arab Times) The Parliament approved Tuesday the report of the Interior and Defense Committee on the Surveillance Camera Bill in its first reading with 40 votes in favor and only one against - MP Hamdan Al-Azmi. Committee Chairman MP Abdullah Al-Mayouf commended the interior minister for upgrading the security equipment and surveillance cameras.
He explained the surveillance cameras monitor criminal activities and the installation of these cameras has nothing to do with political matters. He pointed out around four million surveillance cameras are currently installed in various parts of the United Kingdom, while America and France have more than this number, and Dubai has so far installed 500 million smart cameras.
He said America's crime rate decreased by 10 percent and the number of theft cases declined by 50 percent after the installation of surveillance cameras, adding that the crime rate in France has declined by 50 percent since 2000. Meanwhile, MP Yousef Al-Zalzalah thanked the minister of interior for presenting this important bill. He said the government should have submitted the bill 14 years ago but it did not happen due to the absence of the e-government in Kuwait.
He disclosed the government of Abu Dhabi has procured cameras for recording eye and foot prints as part of efforts to combat extremism and terrorism. He also cited a recent incident when the computer and electronic systems in the interior ministry malfunctioned and this allegedly allowed a number of people who have been indicted to leave the country without being noticed by the authorities. In his response, the interior minister denied the allegation, asserting the alternative system was implemented immediately so there was no way for any indicted person to leave the country at the time.
He attributed the incident to a fire outbreak which, he stressed, was not deliberate. In another development, the Parliament approved the Human Resources Development Committee's report on the proposed amendments to the Indemnity Bill with 40 votes in favor.
The approved amendments are as follows: granting pension to citizens working in State sectors, increasing pension and indemnity for those who will retire for health reasons, bonus for those covered by the Social Security and Retirement laws, and indemnity for the handicapped and their caregivers. Furthermore, the Parliament allocated two hours of Tuesday's session to eulogize the late National Assembly Speaker Jassem Al- Kharafi. Adocumentary film on the life of Al- Kharafi was shown during the session.
Speaking on behalf of the Parliament and its members, incumbent Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim expressed deepest condolences to the bereaved family and the people of Kuwait. "I pray that Almighty God have mercy on him and grant his family and loved ones patience and fortitude", he added. He described Al-Kharafi as a legend, statesman and one of the icons of parliamentary work in Kuwait. He asserted the late speaker won the trust of the people of Kuwait within nine legislative terms, as well as that of the MPs as head of the National Assembly within five terms; indicating Al-Kharafi occupied the speaker post for 13 years. Representing the government, State minister for Cabinet Affairs Sheikh Mohammed Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah said Al-Kharafi dedicated his life to his country. "He never turned his back to his country and he found a secure path towards moderation. He was like a 'white page'. He said what he believed in and worked to satisfy God and to serve Kuwait," the minister added.
In the meantime, the Parliament rejected the request of the Public Prosecution to lift the immunity of MP Abdulhameed Dashti in a press misdemeanor case filed by former MP Waleed Al-Tabtabaei against him. It also rejected the report of the Public Utilities Committee on the proposed health care for fire servicemen with 33 votes against and one abstention. Also, in response to the request of Minister of Interior Sheikh Mohammed Al-Khalid Al- Sabah, the lawmakers agreed to hold a special meeting in the Parliament Office to discuss Kuwait's security preparations in the wake of the GCC air strike against the Houthis in Yemen. The minister confirmed Kuwait's support for Saudi Arabia, stressing Kuwait is not far from terrorism especially since it experienced harsh life conditions during and after the Iraqi invasion.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.