Kuwait's prime minister agreed on Tuesday to be questioned by parliament about possible violations of the country's constitution and public freedom.   

The country's ruler, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad al-Sabah, and his predecessors have in the past reshuffled governments or dissolved parliament after lawmakers made similar requests that could pave the way for votes of confidence.

'We are ready,' Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah told the parliament on Tuesday after the session's agenda, which included the request to face questions, was read out. If the question session goes ahead it is likely to be behind closed doors.   

Earlier this month, three lawmakers submitted a request to question Sheikh Nasser about an incident in which police broke up an opposition gathering, wounding several people.   

Last year, Sheikh Nasser, a senior member of the ruling family and a nephew of the ruler, agreed to be questioned by parliament, which was a first for a head of government in the Gulf state. He survived the questioning.    

Frequent government reshuffles, resignations and parliament dissolutions have in the past delayed economic reform bills. The cabinet had to pass a $5 billion stimulus package as a by-law last year while parliament was dissolved.   

Kuwait's parliament, the most outspoken in the region, has triggered numerous cabinet resignations or reshuffles.   

Under the constitution, each member of parliament has the right to question government ministers. - Reuters