UAE 'will not emulate Kuwait's parliamentary experience'

Abu Dhabi: The UAE will not follow Kuwait's parliamentary model, said a senior parliamentarian on Tuesday.

Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, Speaker of the Federal National Council (FNC), said the UAE has its unique political experience which could be a milestone for the entire region.

"We have our indigenous political system in which the Government and the FNC cooperate for the good of the country. We should not follow a path that takes us backwards," Al Ghurair told a press conference.

One of the characteristics of the Kuwaiti parliament is continuous quarrelling and a tendency to throw the political system into turmoil, which caused the country considerable problems.

The FNC Speaker said the legislature maintains a healthy relationship with the Government.

"Sometimes we disagree with the Government but the FNC always integrates with the Government in good and healthy discussions. The House has its powers and the Government has its strategy. The FNC represents the people and its recommendations are more often adopted rather than turned down," he said. The FNC plays an advisory role to the President, the Supreme Council of Rulers and the Cabinet.

The FNC Speaker said the House has shown increasing capacity for thoughtful debate and is looking forward to a brighter future to manage an expanded mandate.

Al Ghurair did not speak of any constitutional changes to empower the FNC into a full-legislative House to scrutinise what the Government does, increase the number of the its members or its two-year term.

"Any constitutional changes are in the hands of the President and the Supreme Council of the Rulers of the Emirates. Though we have our own opinion and ideas, we are not a party to this according to the constitution," Al Ghurair said.

New session in November

The Federal National Council (FNC), which concluded the second session of the 14th legislative term, will be called to sit the third session in late November. The session will last until the end of the two-year term in February next year.

Then the President may issues a decree increasing the FNC term or election of the House may be held.

Unless a new elections law is issued, the present system will remain. Under the current elections system, not all Emiratis are allowed to vote or run for office. Those eligible will be chosen by rulers of the emirates.

Constitutional changes sought includes increasing the powers of the legislature to scrutinise the Government, increase the number of the FNC members and the its legislative term.

Agenda

- The FNC debated 14 draft laws, including the medical liability.

- Some 25 debates were held with the Cabinet opposing to discussing only one issue - the free industrial areas.

- Some 42 questions were submitted to concerned ministers. "In 35 questions, ministers appeared in persons but sent written answers for the remaining 7 questions.

- Under the constitution, the FNC sessions are held in public unless requested otherwise by the Government, the FNC Speaker or a third of its members.