241 Committee Cannot Strip Former Presidents of Security: Ali Hussain
Legal expert Ali Hussain has asserted that the 241 Committee’s decision to withhold security for former presidents during protests is unconstitutional. He argued that a parliamentary committee lacks the authority to strip away protections guaranteed by specific legislation, noting that such changes can only be enacted through formal legal amendments passed by the full Parliament. Furthermore, Hussain suggested the move was a desperate attempt to shield the government from public embarrassment, warning that it would ultimately damage the administration's reputation.
Attorney Ali Hussain during an interview with RaajjeMV outside the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) — February 27, 2025. | RaajjeMV
Former Kendhoo MP and legal expert Ali Hussain has asserted that the Parliament’s Committee on Security Services (241 Committee) lacks the authority to amend regulations to withhold MNDF security from former presidents during protests, stating that the Constitution of the Maldives does not permit such a move.
Speaking to RaajjeTV, Ali Hussain stated that the right to protest is a fundamental right guaranteed to every Maldivian citizen and that this right must not be obstructed.
Referring to the Parliament’s Committee on National Security Services (241 Committee) decision to amend regulations so that the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) is not required to provide security to former presidents while they participate in protests, Ali Hussain stated that the committee does not hold the authority to make such a determination. He emphasized that any decision to withhold security could only be implemented by amending the Constitution.
Ali Hussain stated that when safety and protection are provided to a specific group of people under a specialized law, the 241 Committee does not have the authority to undermine it. He further noted that no other committee would be able to carry out such an action either.
Furthermore, Ali Hussain stated that the committee is attempting to reach such a decision to prevent the government from facing further public embarrassment and to curb the growing discourse surrounding the matter. He added that this situation would inevitably damage the government's reputation.
"You must understand that this cannot be decided by the 241 Committee without amending the law. The decisions made by the 241 Committee do not constitute law. The committee does not have the authority to unilaterally amend legislation. Such a change can only be achieved by submitting a bill to the full People's Majlis and amending the law through the proper legislative process. Once that is done, we would then question whether such a law is just, or whether it stands in contradiction to the Constitution."Ali Hussain, the former MP for Kendhoo constituency.
Ali Hussain stated that if a decision is made to withhold MNDF security for former presidents while they participate in protests, then President Muizzu would also be deprived of such protection and safety in the future.
