And on the subject of reform...

Today's Kuwait Times:

Firm steps soon to stamp out corruption, says Sharar

KUWAIT By A Saleh: The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Mohammed Dhaifullah Sharar has reiterated government's commitment to stamp out corruption in high places. Speaking at the diwaniya of MP Awwad Barad, the minister acknowledged that all government establishments were plagued with corruption and said that appropriate legislation would be brought in to eliminate the all-encompassing social malady. The government is currently pursuing a three-pronged strategy, fighting corruption, economic reforms and providing basic services, Sharar said, pointing out that Kuwait is already lagging 12 years behind other countries in the region and it is time to march ahead. He added that corruption is the primary concern when pursuing reforms and the government was aiming to improve its services with the help of modern technologies in the ministries. Sharar mentioned that the Prime Minister had requested his ministers to meet people and find out their problems and suggest solutions. He urged the citizens to discuss with their MPs the issues and grievances, adding that the National Assembly is capable of enacting necessary legislation. He said the government was fully aware of the shortfalls in health and education sectors, and that necessary steps are being taken to remedy them. He observed that most of the existing laws were counter-productive and they hampered progress. "They were issued in the 60's and were hugely influenced by political situation typical of those days", said Sharar, urging that a 'revolution' was necessary in the Kuwaiti laws to put the country on the track of economic revival.

Is there some substance here, or just words?