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Listen to the people of the UAE
FNC members should strive to make their constituents feel empowered.
- Gulf News
- Published: 23:40 November 18, 2008
The new session of the Federal National Council started this week with an exhortation to the FNC members to talk to their constituents, listen to what they have to say, and to base their future plans on the feedback they get.
"Plans that are based on interaction with your constituents are more effective than those made behind closed doors," said His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in his address to the opening session of the Council.
The current FNC is an advisory body which is not allowed to initiate legislation. It debates draft laws which start in the cabinet, and can suggest amendments. While this advisory process is courteous on both sides, it does not disguise that the FNC is not the driving force in the structure of the UAE.
However, all concerned agree that the FNC needs to take on a more substantial role in the running of the government. When this first FNC with any elected members took office, the President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, made clear that part of its task would be to draft larger powers for itself.
The UAE is going through a time of important social change, and the government is wrestling with issues like inflation; reinforcing the national identity; and addressing the balance of power between the emirates and federal governments. In this situation, the voice of the FNC is urgently needed to reflect the concerns of its constituents. All these issues should be thoroughly deliberated on during FNC debates, and suggestions need to be put in the process of government. While this is happening, it is important that the members remember their multiple responsibilities: to the nation, to the government, and to the people.
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