No action from Speaker as ruling party MPs label opposition “blasphemous”
During a debate on a bill proposed by the MDP to classify the vandalism of mosques as an act of terrorism, members of the ruling PNC launched verbal attacks against the opposition, labeling them as "blasphemous." In response to concerns raised by opposition members regarding these remarks, Speaker of the Parliament Abdul Raheem Abdulla stated that such rhetoric could only be curtailed through the passage of specific legislation, noting that under the current framework, the chair lacks the authority to intervene.
Speaker of the People's Majlis, Abdul Raheem Abdulla presiding over a parliamentary sitting | RaajjeMV | raajjemv
Speaker of the Parliament Abdul Raheem Abdulla has stated that no action can be taken to prevent members of the ruling PNC from labeling opposition MDP members as "blasphemous" on the parliament floor.
During Wednesday's parliamentary sitting, debate commenced on a bill to amend the Prevention of Terrorism Act, which seeks to classify the vandalism of mosques as an act of terrorism. The bill was introduced by Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudoo), the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) member representing the North Galolhu constituency.
During the debate on the bill, Ibrahim Falah, the Parliamentary Group Leader of the ruling PNC and Member for the Inguraidhoo constituency, repeatedly targeted MDP members, labeling them as proponents of "blasphemous" ideologies.
The MDP has always been a group associated with secularist ideologies. This is evident even now through the rhetoric of their leaders. These are not merely my own assertions; there is documented audio and video evidence available to prove it.Ibrahim Falah, the Parliamentary Group Leader of the PNC and Member of Parliament for the Inguraidhoo constituency.
Instead of debating the bill, Falah focused his remarks entirely on accusing the MDP of being a party distanced from Islamic principles. He utilized the majority of his floor time to criticize both the former and current leadership of the MDP.
In addition to Kanditheemu MP Ameen Faisal, Vaikaradhoo MP Hussain Ziyad also expressed concern regarding the remarks made by Falah.
The member who introduced the bill subsequently expressed concern regarding the matter. Addressing the chair, the member requested an end to the practice of labeling MDP members as "blasphemous" and the systematic use of such tags against them.
These are inflammatory accusations that cross the line into apostasy. I respectfully urge you to stop this behavior. We cross paths in public, and if you continue to level these relentless allegations against us, you must be held accountable for any harm that may come our way.Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudoo), Member of Parliament for the North Galolhu constituency.
In response to the concerns raised by MP Kudoo, Speaker of the Parliament Abdul Raheem Abdulla, a member of the PNC, stated that the chair "has no authority" to intervene in the matter. Abdul Raheem further noted that if there is a desire to stop such actions, it would require the passage of a specific law.
If the Parliament passes a law to prohibit the practice of labeling individuals as blasphemous, then it can be stopped. Otherwise, under the current legal framework, I see no way to bring an end to it.Speaker of Parliament Abdul Raheem Abdulla
Falah repeatedly took the floor to reiterate his claims, labeling MDP members as "secularists" who are detached from religious values. He asserted that this is the reality of the situation and maintained that the MDP cannot conceal this fact, regardless of their efforts to do so.
In addition to Falah, all PNC members who participated in the debate directed similar verbal attacks toward MDP members. Rather than debating the merits of the bill, the PNC members focused their remarks entirely on criticizing their MDP counterparts.
