Rhetoric and conduct of PNC MPs are indistinguishable from those of a joker

Without a doubt, the People's Majlis stands as one of the most vital branches of the state. From the power of legislation to holding the government accountable and safeguarding the rights of the people, these are the primary responsibilities that citizens expect their representatives to uphold.

However, a starkly different picture is emerging from the members of the 20th People’s Majlis, where the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) holds the majority. Judging by the scenes unfolding and the rhetoric being used in parliament, it would not be an exaggeration to say that the conduct and language of these lawmakers are indistinguishable from those of a jester. They continue to deceive and mislead the public, even on matters where the truth is plain to see. Consequently, public support for these members, their party, and President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu is steadily declining day by day.

One of the clearest indicators of this trend is the significant defeat suffered by the government in last April’s local council and referendum elections. While the MDP secured a nationwide majority, candidates representing the party also swept the seats in every city across the country. With 70 percent of the public delivering a resounding rejection of the government in the referendum, one can only imagine the outcome of the 2028 presidential election.

Let us now turn our attention to the members of the People’s Majlis. Speaking at Tuesday’s parliamentary session, Ibrahim Falah, the Parliamentary Group Leader of the ruling party and Member for the Inguraidhoo constituency, asserted that this administration would not unfairly dismiss any employee. However, the reality on the ground is starkly different. While numerous rank-and-file employees at state-owned enterprises are being terminated under the guise of cost-cutting measures, the number of political appointees continues to rise daily. Consequently, Falah’s remarks are nothing more than a hollow joke, intended to deceive the public.

When discussing political appointees, it is noteworthy that each individual receives a monthly salary ranging between MVR 25,000 and MVR 50,000. Consequently, the practice of dismissing ordinary staff from state-owned enterprises under the guise of cost-cutting, while simultaneously increasing the number of political appointments, clearly demonstrates that the government’s actions are not genuinely intended to reduce expenditure.

Turning to the economy, Falah stated that he does not believe withdrawing funds from the pension fund or bank savings constitutes printing money. However, experts in the field argue that such actions will have adverse effects on the national economy. They warn that this would lead to inflation, causing significant hardship for ordinary citizens. It is, however, a laughable irony that a Member of Parliament, who earns a monthly salary exceeding 80,000 MVR, would make such assertions without any relevant knowledge or expertise in the subject.

Members of the 20th People’s Majlis were observed today acting not as representatives holding the government accountable, but as mere puppets echoing "yes" and "amen" to President Muizzu’s every word. Regardless of how inconsistent or flawed the President’s actions may be, these members have seemingly made it their primary duty to sing his praises and defend every government decision.

Members are elected to the People's Majlis to represent the voices of the citizens and to rectify flawed government policies. However, the current parliament is instead characterized by the dissemination of falsehoods and a dismissive attitude toward the genuine concerns the public holds regarding the government. When the discourse of parliamentarians devolves into mere entertainment and jokes, it serves as nothing less than a significant setback in the pursuit of national reform.