ABU DHABI // The FNC has been part of Ahmed Al Shamsi’s life for as long as he can remember.
His father was a member and Deputy Speaker in the early FNC days, and often took his young son to council sessions and official visits.
“It was not a surprise for me [to be appointed], I consider myself the son of the Federal National Council,” says Mr Al Shamsi, a retired brigadier general.
“I attended some sessions in 1974 and in some official visits I accompanied my father, such as the visit to Kuwait.
“They took me with them and I met the emir Sabah Al Ahmad, the first one, when he was staying at Al Manhal palace.”
His older brother followed the footsteps of their father, as did he when the Ruler of Ajman appointed him as an FNC member three years ago.
Mr Al Shamsi says members used to be chosen based on elite and social levels, whereas now the focus is more on their knowledge and education, he says.
“They put outstanding efforts,” Mr Al Shamsi says. “My father served and argued laws since the foundation of the Union.
“They were different laws and they worked with Sheikh Zayed and met with him. There is still direct communication between us members and the leaders.
“I personally attend the majlis of leaders, not just to meet but also for exchange of opinions.
“The leaders listen to our opinions. It is no good if we do not speak up truthfully. We would be unjust to our leadership.”
In his 32 years with the Armed Forces, which ended in 2010, Mr Al Shamsi held diplomatic roles that brought him closer to his responsibilities on the FNC. He served in military and field operations with official missions in Greece, Belgium and Nato.
But his duties on the council were an education.
“Everything I learnt in the council I did not know before,” says Mr Al Shamsi. “The biggest challenge is to maintain the progressive rhythm of the FNC.”
There are some frustrations, especially when there is not enough time for discussion.
Mr Al Shamsi says his biggest achievement is making positive contributions to the council.
“We are a comprehensive team,” he says. “Even if they approve one of my recommendations it is a product of the council. I have received a lot of praise and I learnt a lot about the legal chain from draft laws to actual laws.”
He has developed a thorough understanding of how laws are discussed, and general exposure to different spectrums in other countries and systems.
“This increases one’s personal experience,” Mr Al Shamsi says. “I don’t take the laws and read them, I look at the spirit of the law.”
Social relations through parliamentary work also boosts one’s self confidence, connections and expands horizons, he says.
“Debates in the council teach you to be elegant with dialogue.”
Mr Al Shamsi says the most important issues he has came across are the national service, child protection, commercial fraud, money-laundering and companies laws.
“The UAE is still in a building stage,” he says. “It has been 40 years and legislations are still ongoing, and the modernisation must continue.”
osalem@thenational.ae
