Board members first line of defense against graft

Kuwait's Minister of Social Affairs, Family, and Childhood Affairs, Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailah, has called upon members appointed to the boards of directors of cooperative societies to exercise their oversight and reform responsibilities with the highest levels of integrity, impartiality, and honesty. During a meeting with these appointed members on Sunday, discussions focused on strengthening oversight mechanisms and enhancing performance within these societies.

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She affirmed that the funds of cooperative societies belong to the shareholders and preserving these funds is a national duty.

Al-Huwailah asserted that the tasks assigned to these board members constitute a national responsibility and a duty to rectify violations and address shortcomings as they arise. She highlighted that the funds belonging to cooperative societies are the property of the shareholders, and preserving these funds is a national obligation. This responsibility extends to protecting public funds, state properties, and the subsidies provided to cooperative societies.

The minister underscored that the appointed members serve as the primary defense against the misuse of these funds. Their role transcends mere attendance, encompassing active oversight, monitoring, documentation, and the objective reporting of observations. She emphasized the necessity for continuous review, audit, and evaluation in government work, noting specific observations in cooperative societies that demand heightened oversight and improved operational and financial performance, alongside the firm and impartial application of regulations.

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She stressed that the appointed members are the first line of defense for these funds, and that their role is not limited to attendance, as it extends to oversight, monitoring, documentation, and submitting observations accurately and objectively.

Al-Huwailah stressed the importance of documenting all observations and violations, reporting them to the relevant authorities without delay. She explained that decisions to dissolve boards or dismiss members stem from the discovery of serious violations. The appointment of replacements must be guided by a clear reform plan addressing existing shortcomings and preventing future recurrences. She urged the members to reject any form of gifts, privileges, pressure, or favoritism, and to avoid any appearance of seeking personal gain or facing conflicts of interest. The ministry will require these members to sign a pledge of no conflict of interest and full commitment to integrity and transparency standards, while also maintaining the confidentiality of information.

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She urged the appointed members to reject gifts, privileges, pressure, favoritism or attempts to manipulate reports, and to avoid suspicion of seeking personal gain or conflict of interest.