Nation's Destination: Silent, but Isn't It Strange!
“The Mysterious Silent”... The name of a famous restaurant in the Kuwait City area, passed down through generations. Some government entities are attempting to appropriate this persona, but in a negative manner, portraying the “Silent” as negligent and derelict in his duties—a reality that is certainly unhealthy and far from “mysterious.”
My point here concerns the actual state of the Government Communication Center, which is supposed to serve as a platform that clarifies facts and accurate information for public opinion in the face of a vast volume of rumors and fragmented or inaccurate predictions. In reality, however, it fails to perform any of the roles for which it was established.
In Kuwait, if you wish to create a rumor or stir confusion, you need only post a number, letters, an image, or a “hint or jab” on any social media account—whether identified or anonymous. This is enough to ignite circles of speculation and fear regarding various potential issues, such as nationality, salaries, laws, jobs, forms of support, and taxes, all of which can disrupt people’s lives and increase their frustration, without the Government Communication Center issuing any response or clarification.
It is important to understand that the role of the Government Communication Center is not akin to that of the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) in disseminating routine daily news, coverage, and official statements. Rather, it involves responding to rapid developments in the media, whether in print or electronic journalism, or on social media platforms. Some rumors, or even inaccurate or incomplete information, can have a negative impact on public opinion, and it is incumbent upon the Center to clarify them and assess their accuracy.
Discussing the absence of government interaction in addressing new developments, news, and rumors does not constitute a call to punish or ban the owners of such accounts, nor does it encourage further restrictions on the media landscape or incite a race for journalistic scoops. Instead, it is a call to activate the work of the Government Communication Center. The higher the effectiveness of this body, the faster and more transparent its response, and the greater its ability, competence, and professionalism in clarifying information and revealing the truth, the less widespread the rumor becomes, the shorter the lifespan of inaccurate information, and the lower the trust in its promoters.
The Government Communication Center’s failure to interact with media developments and their evolution represents a condemnable silence, in stark contrast to the “Mysterious Silent” restaurant, which has long excelled over decades in serving its delicious and appetizing dishes.
