UAE | Government
Emiratis seek more involvement by council members
Say they should be barred from holding other paid jobs and issues of day-to-day concern to common people must top the agenda.
- By Samir Salama, Associate Editor
- Published: 23:29 November 17, 2008
Abu Dhabi: Some Emiratis have criticised Federal National Council (FNC) members for failing to interact with the people of their constituencies.
They also demanded that members of the FNC should be barred from holding a range of paid second jobs.
"If members of the House really think that being a member of the FNC is a part-time job and if their constituencies are prepared to put up with it then they should only be paid a part-time salary," said Haifa Salem Al Suwaidi, an Emirati.
Haifa stressed that members of the House are elected to do a full-time job for their constituencies. However, many FNC members are apparently too busy to devote their time and energy to the job their constituencies are paying them to do, she said. They are out there in the businesses lining their own pockets. Mohammad Saeed Al Mansouri, another UAE national, agreed: "Day-to-day issues of concern to ordinary Emiratis must top the agenda of the FNC and the deputies must try hard to find solutions and send viable recommendations to the Cabinet and follow up implementations.
Al Mansouri added ordinary Emiratis have the right to air their concerns and seek justification of policies from government officials, either by direct approach or through the FNC deputies. It has been nearly two years since the reform plan for the FNC was put into action.
It was then decided that half the FNC members would be elected from electoral bodies of each emirate and the balance would be nominated by President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Since then, and under the new Speaker of the FNC, the assembly has been extremely proactive in raising issues on behalf of the citizens, while assuming its responsibilities as advisers to the Cabinet.
Dr Hassan Al Subhi, professor of mass communication at the UAE University, said instead of a two-year term, four or five years will be better.
"This will allow new members not only time to discharge their duties, but also to fully learn and understand what is expected of them."
Latest news
- Strong winds and haze expected in the UAE
- Dubai Police deny reports of Burj Khalifa fire
- New road eases traffic problems in Dubai
- Abu Dhabi hosts strong man contest
- Farmers to be taught techniques to improve yield
- Keep recycling bins open
- President of Wollongong varsity about his plans
- Challenging role in Libya
- Parachuting event promises rich fare
- UAE ministry backs efficacy of Tas'heel system
- UAE students on research trip to Antarctica
- Brothers held in Sharjah for possessing heroin
- Fund drive for displaced Syrians launched
- FNC has kept pace with development — Al Murr
- Reader’s issue resolved
Community Reports
-
Keep recycling bins open
People should be allowed to do their part as the world moves towards a greener future
-
Bridges needed
Al Ittihad Road has no pedestrian facilities as one nears Sharjah
-
Street lights needed
Authorities urged to act with haste before a major accident occurs in Al Nahda, Dubai
-
Motorists ignore stop sign on buses
Overtaking school vehicles can put students' lives at risk
