The Kuwaiti Prime Minister has survived an opposition bid to depose him over corruption allegations.

Sheikh Nasser Mohammad al-Ahmad al-Sabah was questioned on Wednesday over claims he issued a $700,000 cheque to a former member of parliament (MP) and that his office misappropriated millions of dollars of public funds.

Thirty-five MPs voted against a non-cooperation motion brought against the prime minister, which was filed last week following intense questioning.

Thirteen MPs voted for the unprecedented motion and one abstained, speaker Jassem al-Khorafi, said.

The motion required at least 25 votes of the 49 elected members of parliament to pass, with cabinet ministers banned from such votes.

Had it been passed, the motion would have been sent to the Emir, Sheikh Nasser's uncle.

He who would have either dismissed the prime minister or dissolved parliament and called for fresh elections.

It was the first time a Kuwaiti head of government has been questioned in parliament since democracy was introduced to the oil rich state in 1962.

Improve cooperation

Following his victory, the prime minister reiterated his strong commitment to the country's constitution and democracy.

He also urged MPs to turn a new page and to improve cooperation between the government and parliament.

Al-Khorafi asked the premier to work for the stability of oil rich Kuwait and to rectify mistakes that he was accused of committing.

Since Sheikh Nasser was appointed in February 2006, Kuwait has been rocked with political instability.

He has resigned five times and formed six different cabinets.