Lawmakers representing the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) at the People’s Majlis have opposed to the parliament going on recess for the entirety of the upcoming fasting month of Ramadan.

MDP’s Parliamentary Group Leader Ibrahim Nazil stressed that he do not support the parliament going on recess for the entire month of Ramadan.

Nazil revealed that the purpose of doing this remains unclear and that both the government and private sector work during Ramadan. He stressed that there is no reason to close the parliament when that remains the case.

MDP’s Parliamentary Group Deputy Leader Hussain “Fittey” Ziyad revealed that this is absolutely not something they would agree to, and all MDP Parliamentary Group members oppose the decision.

MP Ziyad said that they only need to work two hours a day and that there is no reason the MPs cannot work for such a short period of time.

Both lawmakers noted that work continued during Ramadan even in the 19th People’s Majlis assembly where MDP held a super majority.

According to information received, the General Committee, where the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) holds majority, passed a resolution on Thursday to close parliament during Ramadan.

The General Committee has 11 members, with only one MDP member; MP for Kanditheemu constituency Ameen Faisal.

There is also one independent member. The remaining nine members represent the main ruling party.

Speaking to RaajjeTV about this matter, MP Ameen said that although the General Committee passed it, he did not vote in favor.

He said that given that both the private sector and civil service work during Ramadan, there is no reason why lawmakers cannot work for just two hours.

Ameen added that Muslims have fought major battles during Ramadan and that it is not a month to stop working. He went on to reveal that he does not believe there is a reason for lawmakers to find it burdensome to work for just two hours.

Further, Ameen said that the People’s Majlis had only just recently returned from recess, and that MDP parliamentarians do not support taking another month-long holiday so soon.

The MDP lawmaker also highlighted that all PNC members voted in favor of declaring Ramadan a holiday month at the General Committee meeting.

According to a reliable source, the PNC Parliamentary Group has also passed a resolution to make Ramadan a non-working month for the People’s Majlis.

MDP Parliamentary Group members who spoke about this said they are preparing to issue a statement opposing the Ramadan recess.

After the General Committee's decision to declare Ramadan a holiday month, it must be presented to the parliament floor for approval.

It is believed that even if the People’s Majli continues working during Ramadan, a maximum of only eight sessions can be held.