Removing Opposition MPs Daily Won’t Deliver Results: Sameer
The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has expressed serious concern over the People’s National Congress (PNC) allegedly violating democratic principles in the appointment of members to parliamentary committees. Following a protest on the parliament floor regarding this issue, nine MDP members were named and forcibly removed from the chamber. Commenting on the incident, Thoddoo MP Sameer warned that the continuous daily expulsion of opposition members by the government would lead to unfavorable consequences.
Thoddoo MP Hussain Sameer speaks at a press conference held by the MDP Parliamentary Group near the gates of the People’s Majlis, following Wednesday's parliamentary session. | RaajjeMV
Thoddoo MP Hussain Sameer has stated that while opposition members could be removed from the Parliament floor on a daily basis, such actions would not lead to a favorable outcome.
Speaking at a press conference held by the MDP Parliamentary Group near the Parliament building gates following Wednesday's session, MP Sameer expressed concern over the delay in appointing MP Abdulla Sodiq to any parliamentary committees. Sodiq, the newly elected representative for the North Hithadhoo constituency, joined the Parliament approximately two weeks ago. Sameer noted that when he raised the issue, Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla responded in a notably brusque and dismissive manner.
However, MP Sameer stated that they would continue to voice their concerns, emphasizing that Parliament is an institution meant to represent the people. He further noted that while opposition members could be removed from the chamber every day, such actions would ultimately lead to unfavorable consequences.
"I must address you, Speaker. This is the People's Majlis. We are the members elected to this parliament to represent the people, and we will no longer grant you this opportunity. You may have us removed and thrown out every single day, but the resulting consequences will be very different. Our citizens are now losing their patience. You cannot remain comfortably seated in that chair; we will no longer stay silent."Hussain Sameer, Member of Parliament for the Thoddoo constituency.
Referring to the issue, Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir stated that since the beginning of the 20th Parliament, the PNC super-majority has consistently acted in violation of parliamentary regulations and, more specifically, in defiance of established democratic principles.
One of the most significant concerns raised today involves our newly elected member, Sobe. Despite two weeks having passed since he was sworn into office, he has been denied the opportunity to participate in any parliamentary committee. When we voiced our concerns regarding the People’s National Congress (PNC) majority’s refusal to grant him these slots, the PNC Parliamentary Group Leader responded with highly disrespectful language, asserting that we must settle for whatever committee assignments they deign to provide. Our subsequent protest against these remarks led to our forced removal from the Majlis floor today.Mauroof Zakir, Member of Parliament for the Kendhoo constituency
The People's Majlis sitting on Wednesday proceeded with the presentation of committee reports prior to the scheduled voting time. During this period, members of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) gathered near the Speaker's desk to launch a protest. As a result of the demonstration, the Speaker named nine MDP members and ordered their removal from the floor.
