Majlis passes amendment to shorten notice period for committee summons

The People's Majlis has passed an amendment to the parliamentary rules to shorten the notice period given for summoning individuals to parliamentary committees.

The amendment was proposed by Ahmed Naseer, MP for Ihavandhoo constituency. The amendment was passed unanimously by the members present for voting.

The proposed amendment to the parliamentary rules includes a revision to Article 180 (d). According to this, when summoning any party to a parliamentary committee, there must be a minimum of five working days - excluding holidays, between the date the summons is decided and the date the party is required to appear. It also states that no one should be summoned to a committee without giving at least three working days' notice - excluding holidays, from the date the summons is sent.

Similarly, the rules state that when requesting information or clarification in writing, a minimum of five working days - excluding holidays, must be given from the date of the request. In cases where no specific timeframe is mentioned for obtaining information or clarification, the rules state that such requests can only be made after giving three calendar days - including holidays, from the date of the request.

All members generally supported this change. However, opposition members have noted that if this principle is not applied consistently, it will not be beneficial.