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FNC Members Welcome Extension of Term

Many viewed the change as a step towards political empowerment.

Fatima Al Mazrouei, FNC member, termed the amendments timely and appropriate.

“The agendas that we are working on needs quite a lot of time considering that many laws have to be modified. The internal committees have to make a lot of efforts to come up with proposals. I think the extension of the council’s term from two to four years is very important as it comes in line with the best parliamentary practices worldwide.”

Al Mazrouei believes the powers of the FNC members, especially women, will be expanded gradually. “Women won the council membership through elections before the constitutional amendments. Now we have a development committee within the council with the vision of enhancing the performance of the members at all levels. Progress would eventually be made smoothly and gradually.”

Increasing the powers of FNC members to include discussions of international treaties and conventions before their adoption by the UAE government reflects a certain level of trust, according to Al Mazrouei.

She said she is satisfied with what has been done since the last elections.

“Everybody is working with a clear vision. We forwarded a lot of recommendations, which were approved by the Council of Ministers, so I think we are on the right path. We recently discussed a report on the imported labour force. Issues pertaining to the Ministry of Education and the Marriage Fund in addition to the Health Committee are on the top of our agenda.”

Al Mazrouei also stressed the importance of the amendment thatprohibits ministers from engaging in any professional or commercial work as, she said, a minister should be committed entirely to national action and issues. The amendment allows a minister to be a member of the board of directors of any company but he/she can only presenthis advice and experience which can benefit the company.

Khalifa bin Huwaiden, another FNC member, said he is grateful to the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the Federal Supreme Council for the changes in the constitution.

“They (changes) came in the wake of the overall developments taking into consideration the aspirations of the UAE people.”

The extension of the FNC term is on the lines of Arab and European parliaments.

“We have been asking all along for more powers for FNC members and we got what we wanted. The decision to allow the FNC to discuss international treaties reflects the will to uphold the legislative powers of the council. More prerogatives mean more trust that has been earned through the last couple of years.”

Bin Huwaiden takes active part in the discussions on the media and economic policies at the council. “We are satisfied with our work and we hope we will do more to meet the expectations of the UAE leaders and people alike”.

The amendments are a step forward towards democratic advancement and keeping up with other countries around the world. The move increases political participation that shall further strengthen the federal structure, he added.

Ahmed bin Shabib Al Dhaheri, First Deputy Chairman of the FNC, said the new amendments are substantial and are designed to enable members to play their role to the fullest.

He added that the earlier two-year term was not sufficient for members to raise the issues of their concern and seek to find appropriate solutions.

Dr Amal Al Qubaisi, FNC member, expressed her happiness at the amendments, particularly extension of term, which will give members the time to involve in the issues facing the community and raise them in the council to find solutions.

news@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE