KUWAIT CITY. July 6: Kuwait's Finance Minister Nasser al-Rodhan is to be elled In Parliament over al-_;ed mlsmangement of public funds, a move which could speirk a no-confidence vote, officials and newspapers seiid today. reports AFP.

The proposal from three MPs has been introduced for Tuesday's weekly debate in Parliament. but officials said that Rodhan. who is also deputy premier, can ask for any formal questioning to be postponed for one or two weeks.

The grilling will include questions on a range of issues, including the minister's alleged failure to Implement laws to protect public lunds and prevent the misuse of public property, the English-language Arab Times said.

The proposal was submitted to Parliament Speakers Ahmad al-Saadoun on Saturday, backed by two liberal MPs. Mishar! aJ-Osaimi and Sami al-Munayyes. and Independent MP. Ahmad al-Mulaifi.

Acting Prime Minister and

Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah gave Rodhan the government's full backing saying the finance minister has worked hard to safeguard public funds.

"These achievements make us proud of Rodhcin and keen on supporting him to continue his services to Kuwait," Sheikh Sabah told the official news agency KUNA

Analysts said a vote of no-confidence. which requires the support of at least 10 MPs, may be tabled after the grilling.

A simple majority of MPs In the 50-seat assembly, excluding the four elected members who are also Cabinet ministers, could then force the minister's resignation.

In 1985, the then justice minister resigned after a grilling by MPs and a confidence vote was tabled.

Rodhan was appointed finance minister and deputy prime minister in 1992. Taking a seat in Parliament as an unelected Cabinet member, he previously held the commerce and industry portfolio.