Public is likening Majlis to a goat shed or an animal pen: Deputy Speaker Saleem

Deputy Speaker of the Parliament and MP for Eydhafushi constituency, Ahmed Saleem, has stated that the public is increasingly likening the People’s Majlis to a goat pen or an animal enclosure.

During Wednesday's parliamentary sitting, Vaikaradhoo MP Hussain Ziyad submitted an emergency motion raising concerns over WAMCO's decision to transport debris from the July 19, 2024, Thilafushi fire to an unfinished waste transfer station in HDh. Kunburudhoo. Highlighting the potential environmental and health risks posed by the move, the MP called for immediate attention to the matter; however, the Parliament voted to reject the motion.

During the sitting, following the debate on the government-sponsored bill to amend the Utility Regulatory Authority Act, submitted by Vilufushi MP Hassan Waheed, MP Ziyad continued to voice his concerns loudly on the floor. In accordance with parliamentary regulations, presiding Speaker Saleem advised the member to respect the rules of the house.

However, as the member failed to comply, their name was presided over and they were ordered to leave the chamber.

After ordering MP Ziyad to leave the chamber, Saleem addressed the members, emphasizing that the People's Majlis is an honorable institution. He further stated that members must carry out their parliamentary duties with sincerity, integrity, and patience.

Honorable members, we must reflect on the fact that this august chamber is a place where we must work with sincerity, integrity, and a degree of patience. Even now, the public is likening this parliament to a goat pen or a stable for animals. Therefore, let us not descend to that level. Let us strive to conduct ourselves as mature individuals.

Ahmed Saleem

Prior to this, Saleem had also advised members to engage in academic and intellectual debate on the parliament floor. He noted that the parliament is composed of learned members and, as such, their deliberations should reflect that caliber.