Manama: At least five ministers are expected to leave the Kuwaiti cabinet in a reshuffle to be announced within weeks, a government source has said.
Their poor performance and health problems and the government's attempt to achieve greater cohesion between the executive and legislative branches are the reasons given for the ministers' replacement, the source said.
"Current discussions on the issue are focusing on the timing of the reshuffle — whether it should be announced before or after the upcoming major national celebrations," the source told Kuwait Times.
Celebrations
Kuwait is getting ready to celebrate the 50th National Day, 20th Liberation Day, and the fifth anniversary of the Emir's accession to power. "If the reshuffle is announced before the celebrations, it will be done right after the interior minister, who has recently handed in his resignation, takes the necessary action to prosecute those responsible for the death under torture of Kuwaiti citizen Mohammad Al Mutairi," the source said.
Kuwaitis were shocked by a medical report that Al Mutairi, who allegedly trafficked in alcohol and drugs, had been tortured to death.
Shaikh Jaber Al Khalid Al Sabah, the interior minister, offered his resignation and the authorities have been interrogating the officer and staff suspected of the incident.
Prime Minister Shaikh Nasser Al Mohammad Al Sabah asked the interior minister to remain in his post reportedly to assume his political responsibilities and take stringent action against those responsible for Al Mutairi's death and interior ministry officials who attempted a cover-up.
Shaikh Jaber was told he would be given "full powers" to "clean the ministry" by taking legal action against those behind the death of Al Mutairi.
