The Minister Who Imposed Himself on the Scene

I believe there is a group that admires the achievements of the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef, while others see things differently. I am certain that the first group is by far the larger one, as the man’s personality is controversial. Minister Al-Yousef imposed himself on the scene for several reasons; the first being the extent of the accumulated decay, over decades, in various state institutions, particularly security, many of which we have discussed in dozens of articles, with distinctive engagement from him. He also possesses a strong desire to achieve as much as possible, although time was not on his side. Furthermore, he has a strong personality, though it can sometimes be hurtful in its bluntness. Despite his lack of inclination toward reading, he compensated by surrounding himself with people who fill this gap, aided by his sharp intellect. This, in addition to the powers and political support he holds.

A few days ago, I tweeted the following: “I have no need to flatter anyone, not even the Minister of Interior, with respect to him, especially at this age, as I am retired and in no need of any connections or money. Apart from nationality issues, where he applies state policy, I testify that he is the best Interior Minister Kuwait has known, and the one who produced the most effort and excellence in the position of Deputy Prime Minister, knowing that I do not share his ‘ideological’ views on several matters.”

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Friends have contacted me, wondering about the achievements of Minister Fahad Al-Yousef. In response to their request, here is a sample of what I recall, along with information obtained from other sources: He undertook a comprehensive overhaul of the traffic system and enhanced discipline on the roads, which I have personally experienced daily. He also succeeded, where others failed, in significantly curbing drug smuggling operations. He succeeded in issuing the decree on aggravated penalties related to combating them. In the same vein, he succeeded in reorganizing customs and tightening control over various border crossings, while developing border security. He also strongly pushed to support the maritime security system, develop the radar system and coast guard boats, and deploy smart naval vessels capable of reconnaissance, surveillance, and intercepting suspicious targets. He also regulated the use of jet skis and imposed penalties on violators. He tightened the grip on residency and labor violations; his success in storming the fortress of decay in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh is sufficient proof. He strove and succeeded in issuing a law regarding the establishment of foreigners. He also brilliantly exposed a large number of nationality forgery cases that had remained undetected for years, despite some people being aware of them. Finally, he succeeded in converting the nationality certificate into an electronic document, and managed “finally” to curb negligence in the Central Prison.

He is also commended for his persistent efforts to eliminate all real estate violations, including diwaniyas, chalets, informal settlements, and encroachments on state lands, both on the mainland and in the islands, particularly Failaka. He also succeeded, to some extent, in regulating charitable work, although the matter still requires stricter and more serious regulation. His success in organizing the work of places of worship and religious centers is also noted, establishing clear procedures and standards for licensing and follow-up, ensuring compliance with laws and security and safety requirements, preventing illegal exploitation, and banning the display of any banners or slogans belonging to specific religious, social, or tribal groups.

We must not forget to praise his role in digital transformation, automating services, and electronic monitoring, providing approximately 40 services through the “Sahel” application, covering various services such as buying and selling vehicles, paying fines, renewing residencies and licenses, inquiries, and facilitating the acquisition of tourist, family, commercial, and government visas. Finally, and not least, the widespread implementation of biometric fingerprinting for everyone, and the expansion of the use of genetic fingerprinting.

The space does not allow mentioning everything, knowing that writing is very easy compared to the enormous effort required to achieve even 10% of these matters, which have made Kuwait a better place than before. However, there is still much that needs to be done to make Kuwait a beautiful homeland. Kuwait was once a distinctive entity, regionally and globally, and we lack nothing to reach that status again.

Ahmed Al-Sarraf