‘FNC, citizens need to interact more’

There is an urgent need for a liaison bureau to be opened in every emirate for better interaction and communication between nationals and members of the Federal National Council (FNC).

This was affirmed at a meeting held on Sunday evening at the Scientific and Cultural Association, Al Mamzar, Dubai, between FNC members and nationals from Dubai.

“We do not need to resort to the live radio programmes to complain or raise our concerns; should we have such an office in each and every emirate, no one would talk about his problem in public on TV or the radio,” Bu Juma, an Emirati, told the FNC members.

“We have voted for you in the FNC elections to talk for us, to raise our concerns to the bodies concerned; actually we want to be in your assistance this way,” he added.

Bu Juma suggested that FNC members specify special folders for serious issues to be referred to the ruler in every emirate. “This is the only and most effective way to handle our issues as it is sometimes so difficult to meet the official concerned because of his three to six secretaries.”

Echoing the same, Dr Hisa Lootah from the UAE University said having an office at every emirate will be a step in the right direction for better interaction between FNC members and nationals and for providing services. “We also need to set and adopt certain mechanisms to communicate with Emirati youth.”

Mohammed Abdullah said there is a need to adopt more initiatives to boost integration between local and federal entities, as was the case with the unified property law, and the unified property register. “We need a unified transport law. We need more coordination in terms of education and health.”

In reply, Hamad Al Rahoumi, FNC member, said they are only concerned with federal issues. “FNC members cannot interfere in local issues as per law.”

He added that His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, wishes to enhance federal assets and make them more dominant. “For example, much attention is being given to the federal electronic linkage.”

Al Rahoumi said some ministries do lack integration. “It is our role as FNC members to hold local meetings to develop a unified database to boost collaboration. We also monitor and follow up the local legislations enacted to know about their rationale, targets, and effects.”

Mona Al Bahr, FNC member, said all nationals’ concerns shall be taken into consideration. “We are currently working on a better communication strategy for more interaction from the nationals,” she said, adding that such meetings shall be held on a regular basis, twice a month; the first and third Sundays.

Yunus Mohammed urged the FNC members to discuss the wide salary gap before and after pension. “The salary of a former ambassador is just like that of a soldier. This is not acceptable at all; how may an employee spend all his life in the service of his country and in return get his salary tragically reduced upon pension. Costs of living are skyrocketing that the value of one dirham now equals 25 Fils.”

In reply, Al Hamudi said all FNC members agreed on the same and that they plan to transparently discuss the pension for nationals with the human resources department concerned, within two months.

“The issue has been locally handled in Sharjah following a decree from His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, that salaries shall remain untouched after pension,” said Osama Hussain, Emirati.

Sultan Al Suwaidi, former FNC member said everything starts and ends at the national. “The UAE citizen is the final goal behind development plans and strategies.”

Khalid Al Rokn, said swearing in any way, particularly on twitter and social websites, at Emiratis, be they leaders, officials or normal citizen must be stringently dealt with. “The internet is now full of such bad words that we should all be watchful and refer the issue to the bodies concerned for legal action.”

“Should an official swear at any one, he must be penalised as well since he is representing the country, and vice versa,” he added.

Hani Al Awadi called upon FNC members to develop youth awareness about syndicate activities. “As such, they shall better understand the role of the FNC and more efficiently communicate with its members.”

ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com