Kharafi no more

Kuwait City

 Kuwaiti former Speaker of the National Assembly Jasim Mohammed Abdul Mohsin Al-Kharafi, who is also Kuwait's richest independent businessman, has died at the age of 75, his family said yesterday.

 Kuwaiti media said he had suffered a heart attack while flying home from a private visit to Turkey.

 Kharafi served as speaker from 1999 to 2011. He was finance minister from 1985 to 1986. He and his siblings inherited their wealth from their father Mohammed Al-Kharafi who established Al-Kharafi Group in 1956.

 The family business developed into the financial, telecommunications and industrial sectors, and it is now estimated to be worth more than $10 billion. Kharafi's funeral was held later on yesterday.

 Leadership condoles

 His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has sent a cable of condolences to Kuwaiti Amir Shaikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al Jaber Al Sabah on the demise Kharafi. HM the King prayed to Allah Almighty to rest his soul in eternal peace and paradise.

Prime Minister His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa has also sent cable of condolences to Kuwaiti Amir Shaikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al Jaber Al Sabah, Kuwaiti Crown Prince Shaikh Nawaf Al Ahmed Al Jaber Al Sabah and Prime Minister Shaikh Jaber Al Mubarak Al Hamad Al Sabah.

 Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Parliament Chairman Ahmed Al Mulla and Shura Council Chairman Ali Saleh Al has also offered their heartfelt condolences on the demise.