Al-Hawila: No Immunity for Any Violators in Cooperative Societies, Whether Appointed or Elected - Sarmad
Minister of Social Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Amtal Al-Hawila confirmed that accountability applies to both appointed and elected members without exception to strengthen oversight and governance
Translated by Qiyas from سرمد — Original source
Kuwait’s Minister of Social Affairs, Family, and Childhood, Dr. Amthal Al-Huwaili, affirmed on Wednesday that appointed members of the boards of directors of cooperative societies hold no advantage over elected members, and that accountability applies to all without exception.
This statement came during a meeting between Al-Huwaili and appointed members of the boards of directors of certain cooperative societies, in which she emphasized that these appointments are implemented in accordance with legal provisions and to activate Article (35), with the aim of rectifying situations, addressing violations, and enhancing oversight and governance to safeguard shareholders’ funds and consumers’ rights.
Al-Huwaili stressed that appointed members bear greater responsibility due to the trust placed in them by the state, clarifying that the appointments were made for reform purposes, to follow up on violations and investigations, and not to replace elected boards or diminish their role.
She also stressed the necessity of complying with the ministry’s directives, decisions, and cooperative work regulations, as well as promptly investigating all violations and allegations and taking legal action against those responsible without delay or exception.
She directed intensifying field oversight of cooperative societies and their branches, monitoring cleanliness, the quality of goods, and investment facilities, and coordinating with relevant authorities regarding prices.
Al-Huwaili emphasized the importance of expediting the implementation of a unified visual identity and adhering to the replacement policy and the Kuwaitization of jobs in accordance with approved regulations.
She highlighted the need to regulate administrative performance, strengthen workplace discipline, ensure regular meetings of boards of directors, and follow up on the implementation of decisions. She also announced the organization of a specialized training day to introduce the new cooperative work regulations and ensure their correct implementation.
Al-Huwaili clarified that cooperative societies were established to serve citizens, not to pursue personal interests or settle disputes, stressing that the ministry would not hesitate to take legal action against any board of directors or member found to have committed violations, up to dissolution when legal grounds exist.
She affirmed that the law applies to everyone and that no one, whether appointed or elected, enjoys immunity from violations.
