FNC member with law background fights for child rights

While most FNC members wished to give child protection specialists the right to take children from their homes if in imminent danger, Ahmed Al Zaabi insisted such a right would make the law unconstitutional.

FNC member Ahmed Al Zaabi speaks during the FNC session in June. Silvia Razgova / The National

ABU DHABI // Ahmed Al Zaabi is one of the few appointed members in the Federal National Council who aspired to become a member as soon as elections were announced.

In 2006 when his name came appeared in the first list of people eligible to vote, he decided to run for a seat in the council.

On election day, he was short the necessary votes to win one of three seats in Sharjah. Little did he know that he would be appointed at the next council chapter by the Ruler of Sharjah, Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed.

“The feeling was great. Being a member of the FNC is something we all work towards,” he said. “People spend huge sums of money to reach the FNC. Imagine getting a seat without needing to do that. The feeling is wonderful to be able to serve nationals and the country.”

As a previous member of the Sharjah Advisory Council, Mr Al Zaabi, a prominent lawyer with 20 years of experience, knew what to expect.

“I was in this council for four years. We worked with laws and policies, very similar work to the FNC’s,” he said. “Former members of the FNC also joined the advisory council once their term in the FNC had ended. They passed their experience on to us as well. In my case, I joined the FNC after my term in the council.

“Before the council, I worked to execute the law, now I make the law,” he said. “All discussions in the council are of utmost importance ... even if those outside do not realise it.”

Mr Al Zaabi, an active and regular attendee, occasionally clashes with other members.

A particular heated discussion took place earlier this year when the Child Rights law was under debate.

While most members wished to give child protection specialists the right to take children from their homes if in imminent danger, Mr Al Zaabi insisted such a right would make the law unconstitutional. The “unconstitutional” power was passed following a majority vote.

In another instance, a member joked that Mr Al Zaabi wanted an amendment to be made to a law to favour a lawyer - a comment that outraged many and was withdrawn.

“Even if a lot of members oppose my views, I do not take it heavy-heartedly,” he said. “When there are a lot of opinions, one does not have to be stubborn. A majority vote always rules.”

He said while he looked at the law from a legal perspective, others looked at it from a social perspective.

“Each member adds their input and perspective,” he said. “Of course I am happy with all opinions.”

As an appointed member, Mr Al Zaabi - who heads the council legal committee - refuses the notion that some believe only elected members are active.

“On the contrary - if you go back and review all members, you will find possibly those appointed are more active in the FNC,” he said. “I’m not saying all.”

Mr Al Zaabi hopes to serve another four-year term in the council, but right now it is “up to the Sharjah Ruler”.

“No doubt the accumulating experience a member gains would help them on the council,” he said. “A member should not serve for a short period of time, but should serve for longer. I think a former member should be able to come back to the FNC.”