MP Dumaither's membership decision postponed until next Monday




Tuesday,22 March 2011


By : Jameel W. Karaki

KUWAIT: The Chairman of the Parliamentary Legal Affairs Committee MP Hussein Al-Huraiti announced that the committee had postponed its decision regarding stripping MP Khalaf Dumaither of his membership until the next meeting due on Monday.


The lawmaker pointed out that the committee discussed during its meeting on Monday the assignment given to it by the National Assembly to look at the legal opinions related to this issue.

Speaking to reporters, Al-Huraiti pointed out that the committee had listened to the standpoint of MP Dumaither, and that discussions were held on the opinions expressed by legal counsels as to whether or not the MP should be stripped of his citizenship.

The MP expressed hope that a unanimous decision would be reached concerning the matter, noting that the issue needs more time, particularly since it is the first time in Kuwait's history that such a matter is discussed by the committee.

KUWAIT: The Chairman of the Parliamentary Legal Affairs Committee MP Hussein Al-Huraiti announced that the committee had postponed its decision regarding stripping MP Khalaf Dumaither of his membership until the next meeting due on Monday.


The lawmaker pointed out that the committee discussed during its meeting on Monday the assignment given to it by the National Assembly to look at the legal opinions related to this issue.

Speaking to reporters, Al-Huraiti pointed out that the committee had listened to the standpoint of MP Dumaither, and that discussions were held on the opinions expressed by legal counsels as to whether or not the MP should be stripped of his citizenship.

The MP expressed hope that a unanimous decision would be reached concerning the matter, noting that the issue needs more time, particularly since it is the first time in Kuwait's history that such a matter is discussed by the committee.

KUWAIT: The Chairman of the Parliamentary Legal Affairs Committee MP Hussein Al-Huraiti announced that the committee had postponed its decision regarding stripping MP Khalaf Dumaither of his membership until the next meeting due on Monday.


The lawmaker pointed out that the committee discussed during its meeting on Monday the assignment given to it by the National Assembly to look at the legal opinions related to this issue.

Speaking to reporters, Al-Huraiti pointed out that the committee had listened to the standpoint of MP Dumaither, and that discussions were held on the opinions expressed by legal counsels as to whether or not the MP should be stripped of his citizenship.

The MP expressed hope that a unanimous decision would be reached concerning the matter, noting that the issue needs more time, particularly since it is the first time in Kuwait's history that such a matter is discussed by the committee.

Al-Huraiti further stated that the committee will give a clear and candid opinion regarding the verdict issued by the Court of Cassation in connection with Dumaither's membership.


A court ruling released on Feb. 6, 2011 condemned Member of Parliament (MP) Khalaf Dumaither as guilty in regards to forging official documents. The past month witnessed several requests urging the withdrawal of his membership in Parliament. The case was then referred to the legislative committee for a final decision regarding his parliamentarian post.

"If the court ruling violates the terms which govern the conditions of Parliamentarian membership, according to the electoral law, then it will be a violation of the Constitution," MP Khaled Al-Tahous said on Sunday.

The MP told Al Watan Daily that he believes the Constitution should be respected, "otherwise transparency will not exist and constitutional violations will occur."

Al-Tahoos furthermore explained that a court order against MP Khalaf Dumaither was referred to the legislative committee in order to take a decision related to execution of this sentence, describing this case as "historical" and hoped that this issue will be clarified soon.

"We do not wish to lose a colleague, however if there is any constitutional violation then we are all, including our colleague, will be committed to the Constitutional articles."

On her part MP Dr. Salwa Al-Jassar said that this issue has passed through legal and constitutional foundations, explaining that according to the National Assembly regulations, the request of one of the MPs to discuss this issue was referred to the legislative committee. The committee will then take a decision in the related matter within 15 days. She hoped that all legal frameworks are considered when taking this decision.

She added, "I pay so much respect to MP Khalaf Dumaither who added value to the assembly through his work in the last 30 years and I wish he keeps his membership. However, as lawmakers we should respect the judiciary system."




http://alwatandaily.kuwait.tt/resources/pdf/1037/2.pdf