Government-submitted bills are not being sufficiently scrutinized by parliamentary committees: Mauroof

The Member of Parliament for the Kendhoo constituency, Mauroof Zakir, has stated that bills submitted by the government to the People’s Majlis are not being adequately reviewed by committees, citing the Organ Transplant Bill as a prime example.

Mauroof made these remarks during the parliamentary debate on the Human Organ Transplant Bill, following President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s decision to return the legislation to the People’s Majlis for further refinement, citing its incompleteness.

Mauroof stated that the bill should be recommitted to the committee for further review and passed only after incorporating necessary amendments and improvements. However, he noted that the President's decision to return the bill to Parliament brought a particular concern to mind. Mauroof observed that government-sponsored bills are currently not being adequately scrutinized by parliamentary committees. He further highlighted that these bills are being processed without sufficient consultation or substantive debate.

As a newly elected member of the People's Majlis serving in this term, I must observe that bills submitted by the government are not being adequately researched within the parliamentary committees. Honorable Speaker, there is a distinct lack of deliberation and debate. Instead, there is a rush to conclude matters simply by consulting the Attorney General or a relevant government official. Today, we are seeing the incoherent results of this approach. It is fortunate that the President reviewed this bill thoroughly; otherwise, we would have found ourselves in a position where we were implementing regulations and performing organ transplants before the bill was even properly passed. That is the reality of the situation. Honorable Speaker, the reality is that even with a supermajority, the parliamentary committees are failing to properly examine the issues brought before them. This scrutiny should involve all relevant stakeholders, not just the committee members themselves.

Mauroof Zakir, Member of Parliament for the Kendhoo constituency.

Mauroof stated that despite the current Parliament's supermajority, committees are failing to properly deliberate on the issues submitted to them or conduct thorough research in consultation with relevant stakeholders.

He stated that the proceedings on the parliamentary floor have recently been conducted in violation of established regulations. Mauroof noted that, as an example, just as members prepare to debate a bill, the Speaker often abruptly terminates the discussion without allowing the opposition an opportunity to speak, prematurely ending the session on that matter before moving on to the next bill.

This is exactly how the Honorable Speaker is currently conducting affairs. The issue no longer lies with the floor of the Parliament. Honorable Speaker, despite holding a super-majority, you must grant the minority the opportunity to debate on the floor. The minority must be given the chance to speak. There are only ten or twelve of us here, yet it seems there is a fear of what we might say. Without allowing us the opportunity to deliberate, the topic of debate is abruptly changed and the session is brought to a close. What kind of principle is this? You must learn to tolerate opposing views. Honorable Speaker, you must learn to listen. Is this not the result of what we are witnessing today? It is fortunate that the President reviewed this matter thoroughly; it is a relief that he looked into it, otherwise, the situation would be different. Honorable Speaker, you must take responsibility for the actions of the members of this Parliament.

Mauroof Zakir, Member of Parliament for the Kendhoo constituency.

Questioning the logic behind such procedures, Mauroof stated that there must be a willingness to accept criticism and listen to differing perspectives. He noted that current events are a direct consequence of failing to do so, adding that it was fortunate the President had thoroughly reviewed the bill.

He stated that committees are failing to conduct proper research and are neglecting to summon relevant authorities for questioning. Mauroof further noted that committee members remain silent, adding that no one speaks up unless they are specifically authorized to do so on the chamber floor.