Ajman residents speak out on what they want from FNC

Citizens are looking to those running for the FNC to bring about improvements to life in the smallest emirate, particularly for people struggling with medical conditions.

Humaid Al Shamsi, left, and Khalid Al Mazrooi, are among the Ajman residents who want improvements in health care and job security in the emirate. Jeffrey E Biteng / The National

AJMAN // Improvements in health care and job security are the main concerns of residents of Ajman City, in addition to having someone highly qualified and educated to best represent them on the Federal National Council (FNC).

Citizens in the smallest emirate are looking to those candidates running for the FNC to bring about improvements, particularly for those struggling with medical conditions.

“There are few doctors at the hospitals, while in emergency units one doctor attends to 20 patients,” said police officer Khalid Al Mazrooi, who lives in Al Jurf.

Hussain Mohammed, a Ministry of Interior employee, said some patients were referred to other emirates for treatment.

“Many diabetic patients fail to find proper treatment and have to go to Al Ain,” he said.

Candidates for an FNC seat must be at least 25-years-old on election day, October 3, literate, a citizen of the emirate they live in, and possess a certificate of good conduct.

The prosecutor for Ajman Public Prosecution, Salim Al Ghfali, however, said being able to read and write was not enough and called for more stringent qualifications governing candidates.

“It’s 2015 and reading and writing is not enough,” he said. “A BA should be the lowest degree a candidate must obtain to be allowed to run.”

› Ahead of the FNC election day on October 3, The National's reporters are travelling across the seven emirates to speak to Emiratis and find out the issues that affect them – and what they expect from members of a new Federal National Council. Read them here.

He said that work was needed to improve higher education for potential candidates.

“The launch of a government university that provides free education for the sons of Emiratis and sons of expatriates who fill a government position is needed.”

Mr Al Ghfali urged all those who can vote to attend elections and support the candidates they believe will best represent them.

“They are the voice of the people. They make their concerns, requests and needs heard, debated and, if legitimate, approved.”

He said that some candidates had represented their constituency very well.

“They spoke, argued and made the voice of the people heard. However, some made it into and out of the council without raising one question.”

Hamad Al Shamsi, head of Ajman Health Zone, stressed the need to create and nurture a secure environment for Emiratis in the workforce, especially women.

“They need to work on an environment that promotes investment and on providing job security for Emiratis. The council needs to revise the policy of the General Authority for Pensions and Social Security, expand opportunities for women and people with special needs.

“God be with the new FNC members because they are facing big responsibilities,” Mr Al Shamsi said.

“This council is of greater importance because it’s working under a leadership that does not hesitate to do whatever it takes for the benefit of the country and its citizens.”

He asked those who win to do their best.

“This is the opportunity through which you have a voice and an opinion that can benefit the country and its people. Therefore, make very good use of it. Four years pass in a blink of an eye but the achievements you can accomplish will mark your name in the history of our beloved country.”