“As a person Al-Ra’ee is a respected man, but as head of parliament, he is not the proper person in the proper place. He was chosen because of  higher orders from the president,  But members feel he lacks power and skill.”

YP: People say that you intentionally use the mosque to deliver your political speech in favor of your party?

FD: I confidently believe that the mosque has a message that is considered serious. People are free to come and listen to me when I give a lecture or sermon, and you will notice that I talk about the issues that people want to hear, rather than what my party wants me to say.

For those who say a mosque is not a place in which people can talk about what is important in thier life, they have wrong knowledge about Islam, because those who attend sermons are citizens who have problems, and want to hear solutions. It is not right to ignore what people want me to say about what is happening in everyday life here in Yemen.

However, I agree totally with those who say that it's not right to use the mosque for political purposes. 

YP: The whole controversy of the Asalah Nasri visit to Yemen, you were a main pillar who went against her visit openly. However, she was not the first artist who came to Yemen, but artists like Miriam Faris and others came over the last couple of years. People said that you were asleep at that that time and when Asalah came to Yemen you woke up?

FD: Asalah's issue was exaggerated. It received more publicity than what it really deserved. From my point of view, a lot of what the media reported me saying was not true, and I did not openly answer any questions concerning Asalah's visit. 

YP: But you talked about how wrong it was for her to come to Yemen, and did not do so in the case of Miraim Faris?

FD: The reason for me to oppose Nasri's visit was clear. I said that establishing art festivals in a country where citizens are suffering greatly to find basic food needs is not acceptable. But unfortunately, the government's media used what I meant in a different way.

I explained some facts in my earlier interviews with Al-Sahwah and Al-Nida newspapers about this issue in detail.

YP: Some of the festival organizers said that you were used as a tool by other sides who were not allowed to be organizers for this festival, and therefore they used you to talk on their behalf?

FD: This news is not true. I'm neither a shopkeeper nor an employee for anyone, I talked according to what I believed in, and I represent myself.

YP: How come you don’t criticize other unlawful things that happen in Yemen, as you know many bad things happen, and even worse than Nasri's visit?

FD: For every person who sees a forbidden act being practiced, according to Islam teachings he has to condemn that. It's not only Faud's job, but also the job of every Muslim's to try to put an end to all unlawful actions. We have to remember that as a Muslim nation we can’t hold one person responsible for what is happening, and that is why we all need to work in order to ensure a better future for our country. 

YP: You are considered the youngest parliament member, how did you succeed?

FD: For me, success was granted by God, then by the effort of many people from our district including members from the General People Conference (GPC) or Joint Meeting Parties (JMP) members.

YP: From the GPC, who were the members who helped you become a parliament member, even though they are from the opposition?

FD:  A number of people from the GPC worked with us as a result of their desire not to support the person being nominated by their party, all for the benefit of the district.

YP: Can you mention their names?

FD: I can’t, because some of those names I don’t recall, and those I could remember I don’t need to expose them to any harm. Moreover, those characters did me a good favor and encouraged people to vote for me. The result was surprising to me and to those who voted for me. With relation to my age, I ‘m not the youngest parliament member and there be members who are younger than me.

YP: Does parliament have any sort of power in reality?

FD: The Yemeni parliament is trying to do its role, but in reality the parliament reached a frustrating period, and the reason is the government neglects its role. Most members are from the ruling party, and they do as asked by their party, not looking at the benefit of the country. So, in this time, the parliament is not the means of change.

YP: Earlier you said that you were facing unfairness in the parliament?

FD: The parliament's presidency staff don't put the rules into action. For example it's the parliament member’s right to talk for the maximum of ten minutes when asking to talk, but they don't give us more than three minutes.

When talking in parliament, they interrupt and criticize us normally. I remember when we  were talking about fish and the crisis that its industry is facing, the Head of Parliament said to me that I don’t have fish in my district in order for me to talk about something like that. He treated me with rudeness.

YP: Does the head of parliament treat only Islah's members with rudeness and disrespect?

FD: No, he treats all members like this. All parliament members are facing unfairness from the parliament's presidency staff for the exception of a number of members.

YP: So are you saying that there are no strong voices in parliament?

FD: There are strong voices inside the parliament who are calling for respecting all parliament members. We discussed that issue in an undisclosed meeting, but still had no advantage. Only the late Sheikh Al-Ahmar responded to the parliament's member's considerations. 

YP: Is Yahya Al-Ra’ee respected by the members in parliament for him being the head of parliament?

FD: As a person Al-Ra’ee is a respected man, but as head of parliament, he is not the proper person in the proper place. He was chosen because of  higher orders from the president,  But members feel he lacks power and skill. 

YP: Nansi Ajram is coming to Yemen soon, what is your position towards her visit?

FD: As a person, who is talking about himself, our country is opened for all visitors, as well as artists, however, when they come here they must respect the morals and culture of the country. Also, our constitution must be respected in all aspects.

YP: Does this means that you wouldn't oppose if Nansi Ajram came to Yemen?

FD: Is she waiting for my permission to come to Yemen? 

YP: Would  you have any reaction upon her visit?

FD: As a personal position, I have religious, social and political points of view against this issue. Also I do not want to precede events before they happen. 

YP: Do you have any final words?