FNC postpones debate when ministers fail to appear

Members of the Federal National Council (FNC) refused to debate ministerial letters or any previously published agreements yesterday during their opening session because no ministers were present to answer their questions.

However, because neither member of the Cabinet was present, FNC members agreed to postpone discussions until their next meeting in December.

Meanwhile, Abdullah Ali Al Sharhan of Ras Al Khaimah voiced his objections to committee elections and FNC policies and then stormed out of the meeting. He questioned whether some FNC policies and elections were constitutional and urged the FNC and the government to discuss ideas and issues concerning the wellbeing of the UAE. He said the demographic structure was a crucial issue that must be discussed.

Speaker Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Habtoor highlighted the issue of emiratisation, saying many young nationals find it difficult to get jobs in the private sector due to the large number of expatriates.