Abdul Raheem Rejects Committee Seat Requests, Says MDP Not Entitled to Preferences
Nine members of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), including their Parliamentary Group Leader, were named and removed from the legislative chamber following a protest over the allocation of committee seats. The MDP expressed serious concern, alleging that the denial of adequate committee representation is a deliberate attempt to obstruct government accountability. However, the Speaker of the Parliament dismissed these claims, maintaining that the distribution of committee seats has been conducted strictly in accordance with parliamentary regulations.
Following the naming of Nazil, the remaining eight MDP members present on the floor also staged a protest. During Wednesday's session, a total of nine MDP members were named for order violations. | Video Screenshot
Nine parliamentarians representing the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) have been named and removed from the parliamentary floor after they voiced concerns over the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) super-majority’s handling of committee seat allocations. The opposition alleges that the PNC is failing to provide the MDP with the proportional representation required under the Parliament's Standing Orders.
The nine members named and ordered to leave the floor during Wednesday's People's Majlis sitting include Ibrahim Nazil, Leader of the MDP Parliamentary Group and Member for South Hithadhoo; Hussain Ziyad, Member for Vaikaradhoo; Hussain Sameer, Member for Thoddoo; Ameen Faisal, Member for Kanditheemu; Ahmed Didi, Member for Maradhoo; Mohamed Niushad, Member for Keyodhoo; Abdul Ghafoor Moosa, Member for Hanimaadhoo; Mauroof Zakir, Member for Kendhoo; and Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudu), Member for North Galolhu.
During Wednesday's parliamentary sitting, heated exchanges broke out between members of the ruling PNC and the opposition MDP. The confrontation intensified as the report from the SOE Committee regarding the appointment of Mohamed Nizar as President of the Privatization and Corporatization Board (PCB) was presented, with MP Nazil raising serious concerns over the allocation of committee seats to the opposition. The member repeatedly voiced his frustrations and protested the fact that MP Abdulla Sadiq, representing the North Hithadhoo constituency, has been denied the opportunity to participate in parliamentary committees.
Presiding over the session, Speaker of the Parliament Abdul Raheem Abdulla advised the member to respect the parliamentary rules of procedure. Despite repeated warnings from the chair, the member continued to voice his concerns, leading the Speaker to name the member and order his removal from the chamber.
As soon as Nazil was named, the remaining eight MDP members on the floor launched a protest, raising their voices in dissent. Consequently, the Chair repeatedly cautioned all eight members to respect the parliamentary rules of procedure. Speaker Abdul Raheem responded to the members' concerns with visible agitation, issuing stern warnings that they would be forcibly removed from the chamber.
The Parliament's rules of procedure mandate that seats must be allocated across two committees. However, this does not mean the MDP is entitled to the specific two committees of their choosing. The requirement is simply that seats in two committees be provided.Speaker of Parliament Abdul Raheem Abdulla
Speaker Abdul Raheem then proceeded to name each of the nine members individually, ordering their removal from the floor.
Speaking at a press conference held by the MDP parliamentary group regarding the matter, Nazil stated that the Parliament must provide the opposition with the representation mandated by the regulations. Nazil further asserted that the failure to assign committee slots to newly sworn-in MP Sodiq, which effectively prevents him from carrying out his duties, is a deliberate attempt to obstruct the opposition's efforts to hold the government accountable.
