FNC member says awareness of council’s role would educate public

Mohammed Al Raqbani firmly believes that the public – and particularly the young – should be made aware of the important role the council plays in the UAE, Ayesha Al Khoori reports.

Fujairah’s Mohammed Al Raqbani wanted to focus on things he knew. Fatima Al Marzooqi / The National

ABU DHABI // A campaign should be launched to make the general public more aware of the true role the FNC plays.

This is the view of Mohammed Al Raqbani, an appointed member from Fujairah.

“It has to go step-by-step to get the proper message out,” he says. “We suggested any new law must be explained to the public, instead of just telling them vaguely what it’s about. It is beneficial because people will obey the rules and regulations.”

Reaching out to students as part of the Schools' Parliament will provide a better understanding of the council's power, he says, and it will start "at a young age".

“We started with the Schools’ Parliament, went to schools to tell students what we do,” he says.

One of the 20 appointed members, Mr Al Raqbani says that in the beginning he did not know how certain things were done, and he had to go through an orientation period.

“We started learning how the question to the minister goes, questioning techniques, is it legitimate or not, is it part of the ministry’s job or not. That was the beginning of the journey.”

Coming from a financial background, Mr Al Raqbani wanted to focus on his area of expertise so he joined the Financial and Economic Affairs Committee.

“I wanted to focus on things related to what I know. I am not the type that would interfere in subjects I actually have no clue of.”

He says members must be able to benefit the committee they serve on and it is important to have a basic knowledge of its requirements.

“By doing this, you add more value in your presence in this specific committee. Most members joined committees they have expertise in and those they are interested in, so the council will benefit. We are all one here. We are representing the UAE.”

Mr Al Raqbani finds it hard to believe his journey in the council is almost complete.

“I am shocked three years have passed so fast, its unbelievable how time has flown,” he says.

His duty, on the other hand, is ongoing. He praised the country’s leader for enabling him to take part in making the citizens of his country happy.

“Honestly, this is reality. We are living in a country that Allah has blessed with wise leadership, who have eased and minimised the council’s work. We have covered all topics, and the country’s leadership’s mission, night and day, is to make sure the nation is happy.”