PNC is undermining President Muizzu’s reputation within Parliament: Shamheed

Dr. Ahmed Shamheed, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Member of Parliament for the South Hulhumale' constituency, has claimed that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s reputation is being undermined within Parliament by his own party, the People’s National Congress (PNC).

During Tuesday's parliamentary sitting, debate continued on a government-sponsored resolution calling for an end to the illegal activities of certain political parties and urging that legal action be taken against them in accordance with the law.

Debating the resolution, Shamheed emphasized the need to address the core of the issue. He noted that the matter involves allegations of slander and pointed out that these concerns were not being raised by the opposition.

The member stated that the core of the issue, as evidenced by court orders and police statements, reveals that investigations into allegations of slander have already commenced, indicating that the current situation originated from that point.

As the member debated the resolution, the PNC Parliamentary Group Leader and Inguraidhoo MP Ibrahim Falah, along with PNC MP for North Henveiru Ahmed Aifan, disrupted the proceedings and raised their voices in protest.

In response, Shamheed stated that the resolution was proposed by the PNC.

If I accuse Falah of adultery within this Parliament, does that make the administrative staff of this Secretariat complicit? When such an accusation is broadcast through the media using the facilities here, are the microphones and hard drives of this institution to be held responsible?

Dr. Ahmed Shamheed, the MDP Member of Parliament for the South Hulhumale' constituency.

Shamheed stated that sexual harassment is a criminal offense in the Maldives, governed by specific legislation. However, he noted that the message currently being conveyed by some members of Parliament suggests that victims should remain silent about such harassment, implying that speaking out is itself a wrongdoing. The member emphasized that speaking out is not a crime and asserted that victims have every right to voice the abuse they have suffered.

As Shamheed noted that he had documented and shared through the media numerous instances of the hardships faced by many Maldivian citizens, MPs Falah and Aifan once again disrupted him, raising their voices to obstruct the member's remarks.

In response, Shamheed stated that it is the President's own party, the PNC, that is undermining his reputation within the Parliament.

By submitting such resolutions in this Parliament, the PNC is undermining the President's reputation. We have refrained from speaking on this matter until today. It was the PNC, not us, that brought this issue before the Parliament. This is not a matter that we initiated.

Dr. Ahmed Shamheed, the MDP Member of Parliament for the South Hulhumale' constituency.

Shamheed stated that while journalists are being investigated under Sections 30, 81, 82, and 612 of the Penal Code following media reports on such matters, the President does not have the authority to suppress the country's news media. Shamheed reiterated that the President cannot obstruct the rights granted to the press under Article 28 of the Constitution.

The resolution submitted by the PNC highlights that under Article 67 of the Constitution, the rights and freedoms of every individual are inextricably linked to their responsibilities and duties. It stipulates that every citizen bears the responsibility to safeguard and respect the rights and freedoms of others, while fostering harmony and mutual respect among all individuals and communities. Furthermore, the resolution emphasizes the duty of every citizen to uphold the sovereignty of the Maldives, maintain national unity, ensure public peace and security, and protect the nation's honor. It also underscores the obligation to promote democratic principles and values, provided they do not contradict the fundamental tenets of Islam.