Kuwaiti ruler assigns ex-premier to form new cabinet

Feb 6, 2012, 17:18 GMT

Cairo - Former Kuwaiti prime minister Jaber Mubarak Al Sabah was asked to form a new cabinet on Monday, a day after the government resigned following parliamentary elections.

Kuwaiti emir Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah issued a decree appointing Sheikh Jaber 'to be head of the new government, name the members of the new cabinet and present to us their names for endorsement,' the official KUNA news agency reported.

The government resigned on Sunday, four days after the Islamist-led opposition made major gains in the Gulf country's parliamentary elections, the fourth in six years in the oil-rich emirate. They won 34 seats in the 50-member parliament.

The outgoing government headed by Jaber Mubarak Al Sabah, who is a member of the royal family, was formed in November amid tensions between the opposition and pro-government politicians.

In December, the Kuwaiti ruler dissolved parliament shortly before ministers were to be questioned about an alleged bribery scam and a youth-led attack on the parliament building.

It is not unusual for parliament to try to call ministers to account for their actions. However, the ruling family considers it a breach of their honour if a relative of the emir has to justify himself to the legislature.