ABU DHABI // Although half of the 40-seat Federal National Council is appointed and the other half is elected, member Rashid Al Shariqi said that both come from the Rulers’ and people’s choosing.
“A person becomes a member of the FNC because either the society chose him or he was chosen by the Ruler,” Mr Al Shariqi says. “And the electoral college, which elects members, are chosen also by the Ruler. This means they are both elected.”
The FNC member, one of only four from the last term to be reappointed, says the consultative body has changed dramatically since he joined in 2006. He says one change that has helped the council in its work is the vast pool of expertise among members.
“This helps the Government when discussing issues with the FNC and it also helps the FNC,” he says. “I think we have someone from all fields, which is something very important.”
Mr Al Shariqi says the FNC and the Government aim for the same goals – the best interests of the nation and its citizens – even if they differ on the ways to attain them.
Over the past seven years, the FNC has been able to show what the Government has in store for the country locally, regionally and internationally, he says.
The council’s role had also evolved internationally. The FNC has become an active member in greater organisations, including the inter-parliamentary union.
“The FNC has made considerable contributions to these meetings,” Mr Al Shariqi says.
He says the FNC has little say in what topics are covered during the sessions because the laws for discussion are passed on by the Government. But whatever the law, his role is to participate.
“I cannot say the FNC improved over the years, but it has become more organised,” he says. “Now we have a ministry and a Minister of State for FNC Affairs.”
On a personal level, Mr Al Shariqi says issues relating to education, health and environment most concern him.
He says matters that frustrate him on the council include delays on the ministers’ part.
“We do complain to the Government for delaying certain issues,” he says. “Some are very timely matters that we need to discuss with them. Sometimes it is vital to discuss them.”
Before joining the council, Mr Al Shariqi was undersecretary at the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, a post he held from 1999 until 2005, before the ministry was dissolved.
Since 2006, Mr Al Shariqi has been director general of the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority.
“I have learnt a lot on the FNC, from those in it and the speakers. And I learnt from Government officials,” he says. “It has been a good experience.”
osalem@thenational.ae
