ABU DHABI // The Federal National Council on Sunday announced goals that would help to empower it to further assist the Government.
Dr Amal Al Qubaisi, Speaker of the FNC, opened the council’s second session by detailing the new goals set out in the council’s first-ever strategy.
They include a stronger observer role to better support the country’s vision, and assisting with foreign policy through parliamentary diplomacy.
In her opening speech, Dr Al Qubaisi said the council and Government could together come up with ways to maintain the UAE’s political authority and jurisdiction.
She thanked the Government for its cooperation with inquiries “and the missions that await us will require that we work together and there should be joint committees”.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Rulers and Crown Princes from across the emirates attended the opening ceremony.
During the first session, Jassim Al Naqbi from Sharjah voiced his “surprise” that five decrees had been issued while the council was in recess.
They were revisions to the penal code and the federal judicial authority, establishment of the taxes authority, and amendments to the anti-narcotics and bankruptcy laws.
“All these laws were to come into action one, two or three months after they had been published, so there was no need to rush through them,” Mr Al Naqbi said.”
He asked Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of State for FNC Affairs, to explain the reasons for the rush.
“I appreciate the member’s keenness on the role of the council and I promise him that his point of view will be delivered,” Ms Al Kaabi said.
Dr Al Qubaisi said revisions by the council were important at a practical level “and we are always ready to discuss a draft law in an urgent manner”.
The council on Sunday received approval from the Cabinet to discuss the policies of the Ministry of Interior related to civil defence and social police.
The long-awaited approval to discuss the Ministry of Education’s policies was also finally received.
Other approvals included one to discuss the policies of the National Emergency and Crisis and Disasters Management Authority and one to analyse policies of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development. The session was a full house with no FNC members absent.
hdajani@thenational.ae