Kuwait's PM says ready for grilling debates

Kuwait's Prime Minister agreed on Tuesday to be questioned by parliament in what would be the first time the head of an OPEC member country's government would undergo the process.

Islamist lawmaker Faisal al-Meslem had asked to question Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser al-Mohammad al-Sabah, a nephew of the Gulf Arab state's ruler, over alleged financial irregularities in the prime minister's office. Ministers of interior, defense and public works will be questioned as well.

"We are prepared," Sheikh Nasser told the assembly after the session's agenda, which included the questioning request, was read. The questioning is likely to be in a closed session.

The request to quiz the Prime Minister could set the stage for a fresh political crisis in the oil-rich Gulf state which has been rocked by political chaos since early 2006 when Sheikh Nasser was appointed PM.

Frequent government reshuffles, resignations and parliament dissolutions have delayed economic reform bills, including the creation of a markets watchdog.

The cabinet had to pass a $5 billion stimulus package as a by-law in April while parliament was dissolved.

The ruler, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah, and his predecessors have reshuffled governments or dissolved parliament after lawmakers' made similar requests that could pave the way for votes of confidence.

Kuwait's parliament, the most outspoken in a region mostly governed by ruling families, has triggered numerous cabinet resignations or reshuffles.

Under the constitution, each member of parliament has the right to question government ministers.

According to the Kuwaiti constitution, MPs can file a no-confidence motion against ministers following their grilling, but they can only file a non-cooperation motion against the prime minister.

Both motions must be signed by 10 MPs. Only elected MPs are allowed to vote on both motions, meaning that Cabinet ministers have no right to vote. A simple majority of elected MPs, 25 MPs in this case, are required to approve both motions.

If a no-confidence motion is approved against ministers, they will be automatically dismissed from office. While if the non-cooperation motion is passed against the Prime Minister, the issue will be referred to the ruler, who can either change the Prime Minister or dissolve the Assembly and call for fresh polls.

(With Agencies)