MoI Ramadan Councils Conclude
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates - Monday, July 29th 2013 [ME NewsWire]
The
Ramadan Councils, organized by the Law Respect Culture Bureau at the
Ministry of Interior and held at the State level, concluded on Sunday
evening.
In its fourth and last session, the Council tackled “the
Role of Cultural and Heritage Institutions in Supporting the Law
Respect Culture”, through four main topics, namely; the” Law Respect
Culture and its social, religious, and legal importance; the “role of
Customs and Traditions in Instilling the Law Respect Culture; the
culture of coexistence in the UAE society; and as fourth topic, some
“legal highlights”.
Discussions focused on the councils’ main
objectives, praising the Ministry of Interior’s keenness to achieve
confidence and communication with community members, by establishing
social-oriented departments, which seek to develop the sense of societal
responsibility among individuals, and acquaint them with the vital role
they play to support state institutions in discharging their duties,
based on interaction and exchange rather than receiving and implementing
orders.
The Councils’ sessions also included an overview of the
establishment of the Law Respect Culture Bureau, the General Secretariat
of His Highness Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior; based on
the fact that acquainting individuals with the laws that apply to them,
make them more efficient and contributory to achieve their security and
the security of others. For this end, the Bureau has sought to educate
individuals on provisions of the law and their significant importance in
their lives. Following the successful mobile legal Ramadan tents that
roamed the various emirates last Ramadan; and as per the instructions of
the police leadership to make the legal meetings friendlier and closer,
it was decided to hold the Ramadan councils in citizens’ homes this
year.
Sultan Zayed Al Mazrouei, Director of the General Authority
of Islamic Affairs and Endowments at the Western Region, hosted the
Council at his home in the Western Region, which tackled the “Role of
Cultural and Heritage Institutions in Supporting the Law Respect
Culture”. Habib Al Sayegh, Editor-in-Chief, Advisor of Editorial Affairs
at Dar Al Khaleej led the discussions. Participants lauded the keen
attention dedicated by Lt. General HH Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan,
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior and his commitment to
hold such important councils, which represent a unique opportunity to
meet and discuss a number of key issues. They emphasized that the UAE is
a state where the rule of the law reigns, and where all citizens and
residents enjoy security and stability.
Participants also
emphasized that their council, which coincides with the ninth
anniversary of the death of the Founding Father of the United Arab
Emirates, late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, is an important
opportunity to highlight the significant role played by the legendary
nation builder in reinforcing the law respect culture. This has
contributed to make the United Arab Emirates one of the leading
countries in the world, in implementing the principles of the rule of
law, equality and social justice.
Addressing the gathering,
Sultan Zayed Al Mazrouei praised the tremendous efforts exerted by the
late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, founding father of the UAE, in
instilling the principles of law respect culture in the UAE society, and
endeavoring to make them part of the ingrained well-established values
in this society. He commended the unique character of His Highness, God
rest his soul, who was able to reconcile between customs, traditions and
modernity; particularly with respect to law and regulations, whereas he
succeeded in transforming society from a tribal society with family
loyalties into a civilized modern society that abides by the rule of the
law.
Al Mazrouei expressed his thanks to the Law Respect Culture
Bureau at the Ministry of Interior for the trust it bestowed upon him,
and for granting him the opportunity to host this Council. He stressed
the importance of the Ramadan Councils in enhancing communication and
cohesion between community members during the holy month of Ramadan,
which is synonymous of brotherly love, affection and societal
communication.
He added: “Organizing such pivotal councils across
the emirates reflect the Ministry of Interior’s keenness to achieve
confidence and communication with the various segments of society, by
establishing social-oriented departments, which seek to develop the
sense of societal responsibility among individuals, and acquaint them
with the vital role they play to support state institutions in
discharging their duties, based on interaction and exchange rather than
receiving and implementing orders”.
Habib Al Sayegh,
Editor-in-Chief, Advisor of Editorial Affairs at Dar Al Khaleej
inaugurated the Council by expressing his thanks to Lt. General HH
Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of
Interior on the Ramadan Councils’ initiative, organized by the Law
Respect Culture Bureau at the ministry. Moreover, he lauded the
councils, which represent a unique opportunity to reach out to all
citizens and listen to their views and ideas, with a view to enhance
cooperation between the ministry and other institutions in the UAE
society.
“On this day, we recall the founding father Sheikh Zayed
bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the unparalleled leader who lives on in the
hearts and conscience of the masses, thanks to his generosity and
achievements held in great esteem by the entire world,” he said.
He
added: “As we gather here today, to examine the role of cultural and
heritage institutions in instilling the law respect culture, we cannot
overlook the significant achievements of HH Zayed Al Khair with respect
to the promulgation of the laws and the Constitution, and to establish a
judicial system, which reconciles between the Sharia and Law, so as to
establish the nation's identity and its commitment to the constants”.
Moreover, he added that history will record His Highness’s keenness to
rule with justice and wisdom among his people.
Al Sayegh also
lauded the efforts of late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in
reinforcing the judicial system across the country. “This system applied
the latest scientific and practical methods of litigation to ensure the
rights of people; and is now witnessing a paradigm shift under the wise
leadership of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan,
President of the UAE."
As a first topic, Al Sayegh highlighted
the law respect culture and its religious, social and legal importance.
Poet Mohammed bin Saeed Al Raqraqi Al Mazrouei noted that voluntary
compliance with the law is one of the most prominent elements of
cohesion in the UAE society, which enjoys security and safety; stressing
that it stems out of community members’ free will, and is not
coercive. “People of the UAE have maintained respect for the law with
the transition from a tribal society to the modern day state with its
laws and legislations. Due credit and recognition are to be given to His
Highness late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, for developing and
reinforcing the judicial system; as well as to Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed
Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, who followed the footsteps of the
founding father, and completed the task to the fullest,” he added.
Furthermore,
he noted that respect for the law is part of the religious and legal
duties of individuals. “Law was enacted to ensure people’s rights and
execute justice for the oppressed; it is also part of the Almighty
Allah’s teachings, whereas the law which governs our societies is
derived from the Islamic religion and the Sharia, and respecting the law
and its principles is a responsibility for which we will be held
accountable comes judgment day (Yawm al-Qiyāmah),” he continued.
On
the same note, Nasser bin Khalfan Al Mazrouei indicated that respect
for the law is part of the customs and traditions in the Emirati society
that were inherited from parents and grandparents. “We have been taught
to comply with the customs and traditions that govern our society, for
the best interest of all. The extent of compliance with these laws
reflects the extent of individuals’ respect for other members of
society,” he stated.
Al Mazrouei added that late Sheikh Zayed bin
Sultan Al Nahyan played a major role in establishing balance between
customs, traditions and the requirements of modern life. He maintained
the inherent original traditions that are beneficial for society, and
called to abolish some of the negative customs of the tribal society,
namely; extravagance in weddings; costly dowries; denying women’s
education and other habits, which would have hampered the progress of
society, had they been still practiced.
Concluding, Al Mazrouei
commended the UAE leadership’s wisdom and vision, which encouraged
institutions that deal with authentic Emirati heritage at the state
level. He also lauded the leadership’s unlimited support for these
institutions, which have been instilling respect for UAE’s customs and
traditions in the Emirati generations; particularly respect for the law.
For
his part, Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Salah Obeid Al Ghoul, Director of Law
Respect Culture Bureau, indicated that family plays a vital and
essential role in instilling the law respect culture among community
members.
Mohamed Hashem emphasized the pivotal role of the family
in inculcating the law respect culture in children, by acquainting them
with the UAE customs and traditions based on respect for others and
other people’s rights; as well as the need to respect all segments and
components society, and to give priority to the collective interests
over personal interests.
Nehkairah bin Saleh Al Mazrouei stated
that the UAE people are loving and open to all civilizations; stressing
that the UAE has managed over four decades, thanks to the wise
leadership’s instructions and guidance, to build a global reputation as
one of the world's most open countries to the various cultures of the
world, and capable of embracing and harboring these cultures.
He
added: “Promoting the law respect culture and implementing the
principles of justice and equality among all residents of the United
Arab Emirates have been instrumental in encouraging the various
communities of the world to live in the UAE. Whereas all residents in
the state enjoy all rights that guarantee their legal interests and
ensure them a decent living”.
Moreover, Al Mazrouei pointed out
that the UAE society has maintained its national identity and adhered to
its authentic humanitarian heritage, despite the large number of
foreign communities and nationalities residing in the country. “This has
been possible thanks to the evolution of Emirati people’s character,
armed with science and knowledge, which enabled them to positively
interact with others, without losing any of its original and basic
features,” he continued.
As part of the fourth topic,
participants tackled the relationship between law, customs and
traditions; which, according to Sultan Zayed Al Mazrouei, complement one
another. “We approve laws and procedures that promote the traditional
authentic customs and values of the Emirati society; and community
members from all walks of life are required to reinforce the law respect
culture,” he said.
The Council featured a number of
national-oriented poems, which cited the various virtues and qualities
of late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Poet Mohammed bin Saeed Al
Raqraqi Al Mazrouei recited a poem titled “Cherished and Glorious
Nation”, which opened as follows:
“Praise be to the glorious nation, whose glory draws on the hard work of its founders and provides for the seekers”.
In
turn, child Saeed Nasser Al Mazrouei recited a poem about cohesion
between the people and the country’s leadership, which opened as
follows: “We work hand in hand with our elders… for the coveted goal of
leadership”.
At the end of the Council, participants expressed
their thanks and appreciation to the higher leadership; praising its
generous gestures, which contributed to achieve sustainable development
across the country, and provided its citizens with all means of decent
living, particularly in the Western Region.
Attendees emphasized
that thanks to the police leadership’s instructions, the Ministry of
Interior made considerable success this year in the various Ramadan
Councils, which were held across the country. This reflects the concept
of unity and cohesion enjoyed by the UAE people, and embodies the
leadership’s dedication to be close to its people, meet their needs, and
examine their opinions.
Khalaf Al Habtoor, Chairman of the Al
Habtoor Group hosted the Ramadan Council in Dubai. Discussions were
conducted by Dr. Khalifa Ali Al Suwaidi, Assistant Professor, Department
of Curriculum and Learning Methods, the Faculty of Education at the
U.A.E. University.
Abdullah Hamed Al Riami hosted the Ramadan
Legal Council in the emirate of Sharjah. Presenter Mohammed Al Suweiji,
manager of the Sharjah Channel led the discussions.
For his part,
Dr. Ibrahim Al Mahrazi underscored the importance of intensifying media
campaigns in this respect; while Preacher Saleh Abdul Karim emphasized
that laws enacted by the State govern social relations as per the
highest standards of tolerance.
Dr. Abdullah Al Suweiji pointed out that the UAE society is an example of cohesion and unity with the higher leadership.
Salim
Ahmed Al Nuaimi hosted the Council in Ajman, where presenter Ali Singel
led the discussions, which were attended by a number of women.
Saif
bin Bader Al Ghafli hosted the Ramadan Council in Umm Al Quwain.
Haitham Al Hamadi, presenter at Abu Dhabi Sports Channel led the
discussions.
In Ras Al Khaimah, Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Fares,
former Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education hosted the Ramadan
Council, which was led by journalist Ali Al Shamesi. Present at the
Council was Dr. Najeeb Al Shamesi, economic adviser to the Secretariat
General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), who spoke about Sheikh
Zayed glorious history.
Abdullah Al Sharhan, former member of the
National Council, highlighted the national initiative concept, and the
need to avoid racism; while religious preacher Sheikh Abdullah, from the
General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments in Ras Al Khaimah
underscored the role of religion in maintaining customs and traditions.
The Council’s Topics
As
a first topic, the Ramadan Council highlighted the concept of law
respect culture and its religious, social and legal importance. It has
created a social culture among community members of all ages and
categories, on the need to respect legislations (often referred to as
written laws) and unwritten laws (customs, traditions, practices,
usages, and other maxims of human conduct), because of their essential
and vital role in protecting their rights and their lives and ensure
their safety and freedoms. This would encourage individuals to respect
the law out of conviction, not out of fear of punishment or legal
penalty.
This topic explained that violating the law may often be
considered as a crime, similar to murder and robbery, and is
consequently punishable by a penalty determined by the law. Disobeying
traditions and customs is not considered as a legal crime; it is rather a
social violation often punishable by resentment and contempt from
community members, unless such violations affect public morals. In such
cases, the judge gets to determine if the violation constitutes a
criminal behavior, and rule accordingly. This would guarantee that
personal freedoms are not violated in the name of law, and that usages
and laws cannot be violated in the name of personal freedom.
With
respect to the social aspect, the Ramadan Council indicated that humans
are social beings that cannot live or fulfill their needs alone; which
prompts them to live in societies or within groups. Living in a society
requires establishing relationships between its members, on the
economic, social or familial levels; and such relationships need to be
identified and well organized.
This explains the idea of rights
and obligations. Each member of society has specific rights, namely; the
right to life; equality; work and creativity. Equally, he is bound by
the obligation to respect and guarantee the same rights of others;
within a specific framework of freedom. Preserving and protecting these
rights prompted the enactment of a law that applies to everyone, in
order to guarantee the rights of individuals and prevent them from
violating the rights of others. Furthermore, and in order to ensure the
implementation of these laws without any discrimination; the Authority
was given to the State; which had to impose the mandatory legal rules;
as well as the punishment and sanctions on anyone who violates the law.
The law itself was originally promulgated to protect the rights and
freedoms of every individual, and is not limited to a particular
individual or group.
Therefore, legal sanctions are not designed to punish individuals, but to preserve their rights.
With
respect to the religious aspect, the Council revealed that the
provisions of the Islamic Law are based on two sources: the Holy Quran
and the Sunnah; stressing that law guarantees the good interests of
people. Islam calls on rulers to enact laws that govern life and
actions, consistent with the times, provided that these laws are in
keeping with the sources of legislation, i.e the Quran and the Sunnah,
which ensures a smooth life, safety and security for all community
members, and leads to development. For this reason, it is necessary to
abide by the rule of the law, as long as it aims at protecting rights,
and ensuring compliance with the rules and usages in societies, with
respect to protection of religion, country, individuals, honor, money
and the mind; as well as protection of individuals against moral
crimes. Therefore, it is mandatory to obey officials and leaders who
enacted the laws that aim at achieving progress and development,
protecting rights and identifying obligations, as per the provisions of
the Holy Quran and the Sunnah.
With respect to the legal aspect,
the Council ascertained the importance of legal culture to guarantee
that individuals do not violate law regulations out of ignorance. There
is an established legal principle in the Islamic jurisprudence that
says: “ignorance of the law excuses no one”. It means that when a law
is approved and published in the Official Gazette, it becomes binding to
every individual within the State borders; and no one can claim that
he or she is unaware of the law in question to avoid liability.,
Therefore, it is important to create a positive relation among
individuals and the law, to convince them that the binding laws enacted
by higher authorities are not in vain; but were established for the
specific purpose of protecting individuals and achieving justice and
equality in society. Moreover, the law-making process is not arbitrary;
it is done according to a scientific methodology and well-advised
statistics, to achieve the best interests of all individuals. These
laws, even if they restrain freedoms to a certain extent, were
promulgated to protect individuals, who should be aware that it is in
their good interest and the interest of others around them to respect
the law.
The second topic touched on the role of customs and
traditions in instilling the law respect culture (Laws and Traditions
... Relationship of Conflict or Integration). Customs and traditions are
an integral part of the written legal rules, and together, they
establish the legal system of the State, as there are many issues that
the law failed to tackle, and were left to traditions to decide.
Furthermore, several traditions became a legal rule, violating of which
imposes legal sanctions, especially those habits related to the general
interest of society. For example, lying is an ugly habit, but lying is
not a statutory offence unless it affects the public interest. You
cannot lie in court, as it is considered a perjury. Another example:
Helping others and caring for them is a desirable habit; and even if
neglecting them is not a crime, if a person neglects his child and puts
his life at risk, he is guilty of an offence punishable by law.
Customs
and traditions are an important component for building national
identity; and since law preserves communities, it safeguards their
identities by safeguarding their traditions. The law endeavors to
develop societies and overcome the challenges of constant change;
therefore, some habits may become negative, and contradict modern laws
that seek to develop society. In this case, it becomes important to
implement the law to counter traditions and negative customs such as
tribal kinship, favoritism, or influential people refusing to obey the
laws. The traditions that we must preserve are the positive traditions,
namely; respect for others; respect for parents; kids love, chivalry;
and generosity.
If a given action constitutes a violation of the
public order and morals, it is considered a crime. It is up to the judge
to determine the issue of morality- because it is a broad- according to
the circumstances and conditions. For example, a person may not go out
naked in the street or wear obscene clothes; dance in the streets or
carry out indecent behaviors, as that constitutes a crime. Furthermore,
some parents constitute negative role models for their children, when
observing customs and traditions that constitute a violation to the law;
such as violating traffic laws or disrespecting police commands. This
would negatively impact children, and lead them to believe that customs
and traditions are above the law.
The third topic highlighted the
culture of coexistence in the UAE society. The UAE has become a
universal hub of stability and coexistence, thus attracting various
nationalities and cultures of the world. It is noteworthy that more
than 200 nationalities of various cultures, religions, and languages
live and work in the UAE. They live within its social and legal system
in harmony and cohesion. The law safeguards their rights and liberties
and requires them to fulfill their duties as determined in the
legislation. This has become a source of strength for the culturally
homogenous Emirati society; leading to an atmosphere where different
cultures involve in a fruitful beneficial dialogue, which creates a
sense of societal solidarity between all its segments.
On the
same note, this topic highlighted that the legislation in force in the
State, namely; the Constitution, laws and administrative decisions have
supported the concept of coexistence and tolerance in the UAE according
to the Emirati Constitution. Whereas Article 14 stipulates that:
“Equality, social justice, ensuring safety and security and equality of
opportunity for all citizens shall be the pillars of the Society.
Co-operation and mutual mercy shall be a firm bond between them”.
Article 25 stipulates that: “All persons are equal before the law,
without distinction between citizens of the Union in regard to race,
nationality, religious belief or social status”, while Article 32
states: “Freedom to exercise religious worship shall be guaranteed in
accordance with established customs, provided that it does not conflict
with public policy or violate public morals”. Moreover, Article 40
stipulates: “Foreigners within the Union, shall enjoy, the rights and
freedom stipulated in international charters which are in force or in
treaties and agreements to which the Union is party. They shall be
subject to the corresponding obligations”. Article 44 provides for the:
“Respect of the Constitution. Laws and orders issued by public
authorities in execution thereof, observance of public order and respect
of public morality are duties incumbent upon all inhabitants of the
Union”.
Therefore, the law guaranteed freedoms and assured other
cultures the freedom to express their beliefs and culture in all their
forms and to practice their religion. In return, , it imposed on them
the obligation to respect all laws and norms established in the State,
so that everyone is under the law, enjoying their rights and freedoms,
and fulfilling their obligations without any obstacles.
Moreover,
the fourth topic tackled legal highlights, explaining that the
legislative process is a dynamic and continuous process that issues laws
and amends others… It also revokes laws that may affect us directly or
indirectly; laws that may be closely related to us as individuals, or to
those around us. It is only fair that we acknowledge that many of us
are unaware of these laws’ provisions even if they directly affect our
life. We may also inadvertently violate these laws on a daily basis.
Yet, it is a fact that everyone should be acquainted with these laws, to
ensure that they don’t find themselves involved in a legal problem
“without knowing that they have committed a crime”; and "ignorance of
the law is not an excuse to avoid liability.
Some individuals
may be surprised to see certain daily practices punishable by the law,
or the extent of some sanctions on actions they deemed minor or trivial.
Some might even claim that they never heard of precedence in such
cases, or say that some crimes cannot be proven under some
circumstances. However, experience in the justice system has shown the
importance of knowing the provisions of the law, as the best means to
prevent the consequences of law violations.
However, experience
in the justice system has shown that many persons got involved in
actions they never expected to be criminal acts to begin with; to
involve such serious sanctions; or that the particular circumstances of
time and place may get them involved in some kind of crime. Those people
were held liable for their actions criminally and socially; unable to
defend themselves under the pretext of ignoring the provisions of the
law. Breaking the law repeatedly does not indicate the legitimacy of the
illegal behavior and the burden of proving the occurrence of a crime
does not mean that it did not occur. Hence, it is important to know the
provisions of the law, as the best means to prevent the consequences of
law violations.
(Special Cadre) Acts Criminalized under the Law and Disapproved of by the Customs:
Respect of privacy: Did you know that disclosing medical information
to others using electronic devices such as mobile phones, is punishable
with imprisonment for up to 15 years; and hacking someone’s e-mail
without his permission, can cost you a fine of half a million dirhams?
Sending an email with pornographic content may cost you a fine of half a
million dirhams? And did you know that if you take and post a photo of
another person that violates his privacy, you could face a prison term
of six months up to three years or a fine up to five hundred thousand
dirhams?
Respect for others. Did you know that insulting a person
through Twitter may expose you to imprisonment of up to 3 years and a
fine of up to half a million dirhams?
Respect for religions. Did
you know that insulting Christianity through social networking sites is
punishable with a fine of up to a million dirhams? And insulting Allah,
prophets, or messengers of God through Twitter, may expose the offender
to a prison sentence of seven years?
Female privacy: Did you know that harassing a girl in a public place may expose you to imprisonment for up to one year?
Cadre
Sultan Al Sammahi’s Council confirms:
The Ramadan Councils enhanced communication between citizens and decision-makers
Sultan
Saif Al Sammahi, Member of the Federal National Council, hosted the
fourth Ramadan Council in his home in Fujairah. Presenter Adnan Hamad
led the discussions in the Media Council, in the presence of a number of
nationals and residents.
Addressing the gathering in his opening
speech, Al Sammahi stated: “The ninth death anniversary of the founding
father of the UAE, and builder of its renaissance, late Sheikh Zayed
bin Sultan Al Nahyan (may God have mercy upon him), world-renowned
philanthropist, revered and remembered for his generosity and kindness,
is a solemn occasion to recall his great lifetime achievements. It is
also an opportunity for us to express our love for the homeland and our
loyalty to our wise leadership”.
“This day must remain deeply
rooted in the hearts of the Emirati people as a day to recognize the
values of giving and goodness he inculcated to the people of the UAE.
We call on the Almighty God to bestow his mercy upon him and the
founding fathers; and to rest them in eternal peace. We also ask the
Almighty Allah to give long life to His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin
Zayed Al Nahyan and his brothers Supreme Council members and rulers of
the Emirates”, he added.
Moreover, he expressed his sincere
thanks to Lt. General HH Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime
Minister and Minister of Interior, for the initiatives launched by the
Ministry of Interior. He also praised the idea of Ramadan Councils
organized by the MOI in the nationals’ councils across the State. He
noted that these councils contribute to boost communication between
citizens and decision-makers in the State; and enable citizens to
express their views and ideas freely on the topics raised.
Furthermore,
he noted that Ramadan Councils held during the Holy Month of Ramadan
play a vital and active role in achieving communication and amity among
community members during the Holy Month.
Presenter Adnan Hamad
kicked off the Council, praising the State’s decision to declare
Ramadan 19 as “an occasion to recall the exploits of His Highness Sheikh
Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder and builder of the State,” May
his Soul Rest in Peace.
“The late founder of the UAE, Sheikh
Zayed laid the foundations of a solid cohesive State for citizens, and
provided them with means to a decent living and prosperous life. He
turned the UAE deserts into green oases. He helped the UAE achieve a
prominent position among world countries thanks to his acumen,
humanitarian approach, wise policy, and noble stances”, he added.
Furthermore,
Adnan Hamad expressed his thanks to HH Deputy Prime Minister and
Minister of Interior for giving his instructions to hold such Ramadan
Councils. He also extended his heartfelt thanks to all those who opened
their homes to allow citizens to freely take part in discussing a number
of key issues, as per a scientific manner, with prominent figures, with
strong community presence, who have a wealth of ideas and experiences,
as well as a significant knowledge with the topics at hand.
He
noted that the topic to be discussed in the Council is “the role of
customs and traditions in supporting the Law Respect Culture”, pointing
out that the key point of discussion will be the public’s knowledge of
the laws and regulations of the State in general and the extent of their
commitment to the law. Moreover, the council will discuss the
relationship between the UAE customs and traditions with the law, and
how to instill the law respect culture through customs and traditions.
For
his part, Ahmed Al Jarwan, Head of the Arab Parliament, pointed out
that the awareness-raising Councils acquaint community members with the
Law Respect Culture, and enhances the legal culture among people.
Moreover, Al Jarwan tackled the mechanisms and methods used in the
Federal National Council in promulgating laws. He also tackled the
relationship between the National Council and the Government in the
legislative process, praising the cooperation, integration, and
coordination between the Government and the Federal National Council.
Mr.
Saif Al Sammahi, former member of the Federal National Council,
indicated that peoples’ lives and interests should be governed by the
law, pointing out that the law exists in all life aspects. He emphasized
the need to enhance awareness on the UAE laws, regulations and
legislations across the country and in several languages, in order to
explain these regulations in a simple manner to all residents. He added
that such Ramadan Councils are effective tools in the awareness
process, which should continue and not be limited to specific seasons.
He
pointed out that any promulgated law needs to be presented to community
members for discussion, so that people can express their points of
view.
For his part, Dr. Saeed Al Hassani said that no society can
live without a clear law and constitution that governs its members,
regulates their relationships, and determines their obligations, duties
and rights. He pointed out that customs and traditions in societies
complement many laws and legislations; stressing that the ultimate goal
of the law is to achieve society’s development. Furthermore, Dr. Al
Hassani urged parents to inculcate the law respect culture to children,
by leveraging the country’s customs and traditions.
Dr Mohammed
Abdullah Saeed concurred with Dr. Al Hassani, pointing out that
non-compliance with laws and proper implementation may lead to the
collapse of nations. “The UAE has legislations and regulations in all
fields, which are regularly updated,” he added.
For his part, Mr.
Sultan Malih explained that the UAE is an open multicultural and
multinational society where everyone is equal before the law, without
discrimination. “This earned the UAE further respect and international
appreciation,” he concluded.
Religious preacher, Salem Al kendi,
from the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments, spoke at
the Council of the great deeds and achievements of late Sheikh Zayed
bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
At the end of the Council, Journalist Adnan
Hamad expressed his thanks and appreciation to Sultan Saif Al Sammahi,
for hosting the Council; and to the Law Respect Culture Bureau for its
efforts to organize and hold such councils.
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The
Arabic-language text of this announcement is the official,
authoritative version. Translations are provided as an accommodation
only, and should be cross-referenced with the Arabic-language text,
which is the only version of the text intended to have legal effect.
Contacts
The UAE Minister of Interior's General Secretariat, Tactical Affairs and Security Media Department
Abu Dhabi Police GHQ - Security Media
Chris Cron +971-(0)-50-987-1317
E-mail: cron.media@hotmail.com
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