Ola Salem
ABU DHABI // Ministries will no longer suffer from a lack of an undersecretary, the Minister of Cabinet Affairs has told the FNC.
In a written response from Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, council members were told that the problem was being looked into by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai.
The role of the undersecretary is crucial as they track and monitor the work of ministries.
Mr Al Gergawi said since the issue was brought to the Cabinet’s attention earlier this year, they have been working to fill in the gaps.
So far, an undersecretary has been appointed at the Ministries of Health and Education.
The issue was first brought to the Cabinet’s attention after a number of council members raised the issue about the lack of an undersecretary to one particular minister.
Mosabeh Al Kitbi (Sharjah), who wished not to reveal the minister’s identity, said the empty seats had great implications as it was the role of undersecretaries to implement policies and monitor the work of a ministry.
Some ministries have gone seven years without one, he said.
“When we asked the minister in question, his response was bad,” Mr Al Kitbi said.
“He said he did not yet find someone suitable to fill the role. This is strange since the UAE has achieved so much in 42 years, locally and internationally. It did not make sense that with all our strong Emirati workforce not a single one was suitable for the role.”
After the minister’s response, Mr Al Kitbi raised the issue with the Cabinet, which swiftly took action.
“I am very pleased that they followed up on my question,” he said.
“We don’t mean to embarrass ministers or anything but when we see any wrong practice we will raise it so that it is resolved.”
This is the third request made by Mr Al Kitbi that has been resolved immediately by ministers.
Previously, questions raised to the Minister of Justice, Dr Hadef Al Dhaheri, about a problem with name duplications at the airport barring Emiratis from travel and a question on the absence of a dispute resolution panel in Dhiad have led to the minister resolving both issues.
osalem@thenational.ae
