ABU DHABI // Ahmed Al Shamsi is not one to shy away from any discussion, and has developed a fiery reputation.
Mr Al Shamsi is one of the most vocal in the council, with his demanding questions to the Government, and in public sessions and closed committee meetings.
His firm voice echoes in the council chambers at almost every debate, particularly in matters related to education, health, economy, Emiratisation, social affairs and women’s retirement.
When the council’s work is slow, Mr Al Shamsi questions the Government over a lack of cooperation and minister’s absences.
He is also known for his views on laws for breastfeeding, which come from his discontent with women leaving their children with nannies to bottle feed.
“Some families leave their children to maids and don’t breastfeed. This is part of raising a child. This is mandatory,” he said this year.
Mr Al Shamsi was also one of several members who lobbied to strip the Child Rights Law of its original name, Wadeema’s Law.
It was to be named after an eight-year-old girl who was tortured to death by her father and his girlfriend, but the change was made to protect her larger family.
Over the years he has pushed for better regulation of food and medicine, and supported a list of rights for workers and a law for domestic workers.
osalem@thenational.ae
