A motion submitted to bring amendments to the laws and regulations of the People’s Majlis in order for the state to establish an official residence for the Speaker of Parliament, has been forwarded for committee review.

The motion seeking to ensure Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) can provide the required security and safety for the parliament speaker, was forwarded to the parliament committee on national security.

51 members unanimously voted in favor of forwarding the motion for committee review.

The state-endorsed bill was submitted by MP for Feydhoo constituency Mohamed Nihad, who stated that the amendment is crucial for the security and safety of the parliament speaker. He went on to highlight the purposes of bringing the amendment, noting that an official residence for the speaker must be allocated by the state in order to strengthen the security being provided to Mohamed Nasheed, the speaker who was recently targeted by a group believed to be extremists.

The bill seeks to add two more clauses to Section 27 of the Majlis laws and regulations, which will entail the need to establish an official residence for the speaker of parliament as well as family – including spouse, children and parents - as well as mandating the state to arrange all costs for the residence and appointing required staff.

The official residence is required to be located somewhere where security is ensured.

The motion goes on to detail that the parliament will allocate the required staff to the official residence of the speaker.