Opinion | Columnists
Signs that herald optimism
The scrapping of the portfolio of the ministry of information and the creation of the Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs are positive developments.
- By Abdul Gaffar Hussain, Special to Gulf News
- Published: 00:00 February 24, 2006
The rapid development taking place in all fields in the UAE indicates that the country is on the threshold of a new era. All citizens expect the new Federal Cabinet to not only be a cabinet of services but also of institutions.
This heralds more optimism and the beginning of a new era. Everyone is now hoping that the Cabinet will lead the country to a more prosperous phase by upholding the interests of all the people of the UAE.
There have been many optimistic signs which show that the expectations of the UAE people are being fulfilled by the new Cabinet. Among them what gives credence to their belief is the scrapping of the portfolio of the ministry of information.
The portfolios of information and culture were merged into one ministry Ministry of Culture under the leadership of one minister. The abolition of the portfolio of information indicates that the new Cabinet is determined to do away with the red tape and give the media a free hand to play its crucial role. By using its rights to freedom of expression, the media can now play its role with more confidence.
We all know that the integrity of the media in most developing countries is questioned due to restrictions and red tape. This is unlike the case in developed countries, where the media is independent and has the freedom to say whatever it wants.
There is no information ministry in those countries to dictate to the media on what is to be done and what not to do. However, it is fair to say that the situation of the media in the UAE was not bad but was much better than many other countries.
The ministry of information in the UAE, particularly under Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan who is now the foreign minister, was not like a sharp sword held at the necks of media professionals
Shaikh Abdullah gave the media freedom when the information ministry was in existence. He used to say there should be no censorship on the media and that it should create self-censorship to practice its freedom.
By scrapping the information ministry, the new Cabinet wants to convey a message to the media in the country.
The message is: "There is no longer any obstacle before the media and nothing can hinder its professionals from showing good things and uncovering wrong practices."
Moreso, the new cabinet invites the media to apply this golden rule on the ground.
I believe the government is now fully aware of the role of the free media in establishing a free society, a society that thinks and works freely. This will definitely pave the way for more creativity and innovation. It will also lead society towards a safe haven.
Good initiative
Another point that heralds more optimism is the creation of the Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs. It is another good initiative adopted by the new Cabinet headed by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who proved his ability to ride the waves and steer the ship towards a safe port.
In the meantime, such a move mirrors the leadership's determination to take the country towards higher standards. It also shows that the country is heading towards a new era with more changes and reforms to come.
This can easily be viewed through the leaders, particularly by President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who are planning to promote the country to higher levels and be ranked among advanced countries.
It is well known for societies, which look forward to achieve progress and development. The only way to achieve their goals is by setting up independent and neutral legislative and supervisory councils to supervise and monitor government authorities and bodies. This is meant to encourage competitiveness and not the fear of corruption or deviation among the various institutions and bodies.
It will also help them to scale greater heights and at the same time be cautious about committing mistakes and any kind of violations. When a member of the councils points his/her finger to say this is correct or wrong without the fear of being blamed or be questioned, then things will be more transparent. It will also boost the confidence of the people who will feel more secure and safe.
Bearing this in mind, it can be said that the new Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs is not born out of a vacuum, but is conceived in order to carry out a major task. The future of political representation of the UAE people in the next legislative council really lies with this new ministry.
Despite the fact that the vision still needs more transparency, yet people are optimistic that the government is firmly determined to go ahead with the march of goodness. And, anyone who feels optimistic, good things will come his way.
Abdul Gaffar Hussain is a UAE writer and researcher.
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