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Abu Dhabi: Many former and present members of the Federal National Council have criticised its "timid and inactive" performance, calling for "full legislative powers and universal suffrage" to help the Council meet expectations heaped upon it.
They said the unicameral parliament of the country is still shackled with the same "outdated" powers since its establishment in 1972.
They were speaking as the FNC celebrates its 36th anniversary on February 12 and a year since half of its members were elected.
"Wide-ranging constitutional changes leading to a fully elected and powerful parliament is both necessary and urgent," said Dr Abdul Rahim Al Shahin, FNC member from Ras Al Khaimah.
He said the democratic experience where half of the FNC members were elected from an electoral college has fallen short of aspirations of the people and brought in inexperienced and less qualified lawmakers.
"Some of the members were inactive and others tried hard to deliver but were fettered by limited and outdated powers of the FNC. Thirty-six years ago, the UAE constitution was a great leap that catapulted the UAE into a leading position among other countries in the Gulf. But now the UAE is politically lagging behind other GCC member countries," Al Shahin said.
He suggested that for the UAE to have a strong legislative and controlling council the right to vote should be guaranteed to every Emirati, which will bring the right representatives of the people and create a lively and productive legislature.
Al Shahin also demanded that the Cabinet should have no say in calling for the FNC or its discussions on any issue, as is the case right now.
"The FNC does nothing but make recommendations and has no power to enforce the implementation of these recommendations. We question ministers but they evade questions and get away with it because the council has no controlling powers."
He said the FNC's first year after elections should be judged not by how many draft laws were passed, or questions or motions were dealt with, but how well it grew during the period into a body that begins to meet expectations heaped upon it.
The FNC was formed under the Provisional Constitution of the UAE in 1972 as an important and permanent component of the state machinery, which includes the Supreme Council, the President, the Cabinet and the Judiciary.
It comprises 40 members, with Abu Dhabi and Dubai having eight each, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah six each and Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah four each. The 14th legislative chapter of the Council was the first with half of its members elected and women representing 21 per cent of the house.
More powers needed
Dr Sultan Ahmad Al Moadhen, another member from Fujairah, agrees the Council needs more powers to play an active role in the democratic life. "The FNC should be representing the people, making laws, sustaining and scrutinising the government."
Ahmad Mohammad Al Khateri, a member since 1979, says he does not see any drastic change since half the members were elected. Members were more active earlier and had more courage to debate and give recommendations.
"During the past year I haven't heard any new debates or recommendations. I think if the Council has the right to suggest laws it would be more powerful as what happens in similar parliaments in the world. What happens now is that the Council looks to draft laws, makes changes and corrects them,"he added.
Khalid Bin Zayed Al Falasi, a member, said a lot has been achieved. "After half the members were elected, more experienced members are a part of the Council. They are more active because they have to keep the promises they give to people who have elected them. They are concerned about fulfilling their manifesto."
Abdullah Al Sharhan, a former member of the FNC between 1997 and 2002, demanded that the FNC be responsible for drawing up and adopting Standing Orders that ensure openness and accountability.
First Deputy Speaker Ahmad Shabeeb Al Daheri, from Abu Dhabi praised the FNC's 14th legislative chapter, saying it is historic.
"This Council is different and has the full support of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the Government to bring about changes in public participation in the decision-making process. It has 50 per cent of members elected and it has a strong presence of women members.
"A government that is headed by a dynamic person like His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, is another great thing about this Council," he said.
Greater participation
Al Daheri said both the country's leadership and Government back the council's effort to pave the way for greater public participation in policy-making. "They want to see the FNC expanded with more members and more legislative power for the council."
Dr Amal Abdullah Juma Al Qubaisi, from Abu Dhabi, became the only woman who was elected to the FNC. The other eight women were appointed by Rulers of the Emirates.
Dr Amal said women have been successful in their first political involvement with the FNC. One of the women appointed to the FNC was Najla Al Awadi from Dubai. She admitted the FNC membership was a new experience for women. "We haven't got the opportunity to educate ourselves about the political participation. But we aspire for a more active role for women," she said.
Dr Nedhal Mohammad Al Tunaiji, FNC member from Ras Al Khaimah, is of the view that the Government is serious about developing the council and gives this objective a high priority.
Dr Fatima Hamad Al Mazroui, from Abu Dhabi, said the FNC has gained people's trust, but the society is expecting more.
People's woes: Need for more interaction
Some Emiratis have criticised FNC members for failing to interact with the people in their constituencies.
They also demanded that each emirate has an office where people can meet with their deputies and air their concerns.
"Day-to-day issues of concern to ordinary Emiratis must top the agenda of the FNC and the deputies must try hard to find solutions and send viable recommendations to the Cabinet and follow up implementation," said Hanan Al Braiki.
Mohammad Faleh Al Nuaimi agreed that more interaction with people help the FNC members know their problems and possible solutions to them .
Al Nuaimi added ordinary Emiratis have the right to air their concerns and seek justifications of policy from government officials, either by direct approach or through deputies.
Emirati Mohammad Mani'a Al Mansouri demanded offices be set up where interaction between citizens and their representatives can take place. "Constituency days should be fixed when FNC members must be available to meet people and listen to their concerns."
Al Mansouri suggested spiralling cost of living, poor services and reforms in the FNC should have been addressed by the house and serious recommendations submitted to the Cabinet.
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