ABU DHABI // For Saeed Al Khateri, entry into the race for a seat on the Federal National Council stemmed from a desire for political participation.
As the electoral college expanded 20-fold and a political programme was launched to persuade more people to participate in the decision-making process, Mr Al Khateri set out to win.
“After a long service, I wanted to give something back to the country,” he says.
To secure the votes, he spoke of three issues that he believed concerned people the most: unemployment, inflation and debt.
And even though he was keen to advertise in newspapers and speak to people directly, introducing himself and his election programme, he believes his popularity and long history of helping others helped him win.
“You need popularity,” he says. “If you do not have popularity and you don’t have good relations with others, you wouldn’t get any votes. I did expect to win. I thought it was possible.”
In the council, Mr Al Khateri, one of the quieter members during public sessions, says these issues were presented either by him or other members.
Publicly keeping to his campaign promise, Mr Al Khateri questioned Humaid Al Qattami, the Minister of Education, about jobs for unemployed Emiratis.
“Many call me to tell me their concerns to pass on to the council,” he says.
“We are from the Al Khawatir tribe. It is a known tribe. And after the elections, I did not change my number so people can still call me.”
However, getting his questions aired took time. Like many others, Mr Al Khateri felt he needed six months to get a grasp of matters in the council.
“The first year productivity is less because the members are getting to know the council,” he says.
“The second year is better, and the third year is best, as they know the system.”
One thing he learnt was that questions and concerns raised by members to ministers were best complemented by possible solutions.
“After a member presents a problem, they need to also present a solution,” he says.
“I also learnt other things about the Government. I learnt some issues are complicated and cannot be solved in just a month or two.”
A retired major general in the Armed Forces, Mr Al Khateri says most of his time is dedicated to the council’s work, whether attending workshops or meeting with nationals.
At his first FNC session, the President, Sheikh Khalifa, gave an encouraging speech.
“He told us to change any law burdening Emiratis,” he says.
“He gave us a great push. If Emiratis want me to rerun, I will. But I think four years of service is enough and it is time to allow others to take their turn.”
Pleased with his work and experience on the council, Mr Al Khateri says only one thing needs to change, which is one of the council’s mandates.
“Currently the council is a legislative and monitory entity – but it also should be political to give political stances,” he says.
He says the council’s response to the European Union parliament resolution criticising the country’s human rights record is one example of the new role it could take.
osalem@thenational.ae
