Members are bound like slaves; they cannot advocate for the rights of the people in such a state: MP Ziyad

Members of the People's Majlis are currently held in a state of "slavery," making it impossible for them to advocate for the rights of the public, stated Hussain Ziyad, the Member of Parliament for the Vaikaradhoo constituency.

Speaking during Wednesday's parliamentary sitting on a government-proposed bill regarding the lease of uninhabited islands and lagoons, Ziyad stated that recent constitutional amendments have effectively "shackled" members of parliament. Highlighting the changes made to Article 73 of the Constitution in November 2024, Ziyad emphasized that lawmakers are now operating under significant constraints.

MP Ziyad stated that members cannot advocate for the rights of the people unless those shackles are removed, adding that lawmakers have effectively been turned into slaves today. He further noted that this was done at the behest of the President, suggesting that the move stems from a lack of confidence in the members.

The lack of trust is precisely why Article 73 was incorporated through the Sixth Amendment to the Constitution in November 2024. Unless those shackles are broken, these honorable members will remain unable to speak the truth. They are bound, Mr. Speaker; they are held like slaves. In such a state, they cannot truly advocate for the rights of the people.

Hussain Ziyad (Fittey)

Continuing his remarks, Ziyad stated that he supports the principle that members should lose their seats if they voluntarily resign from their party. However, he noted that under the current constitutional amendments, members also lose their seats if the party takes disciplinary action against them. When Ibrahim Falah, the Member for Inguraidhoo, attempted to interrupt his speech, Ziyad responded by stating that even the Speaker of the Parliament would understand the feeling of being constrained in such a manner.

Ziyad stated that Speaker of the Parliament Abdul Raheem Abdulla is currently constrained and is not operating under "normal" circumstances. He further elaborated that the Speaker is instead functioning within a "new normal."

Furthermore, Ziyad stated that the current constitutional framework prevents them from advocating effectively for the rights of the people. He alleged that ongoing efforts are aimed at selling off the entire nation, claiming the Constitution is being amended to allow the country to be handed over to anyone at the government's whim. Ziyad also expressed his regret that Abdul Raheem was presiding over the session while such significant constitutional amendments were being introduced.

Contributing to the debate on the bill, Ziyad stated that the proposed legislation grants the President the authority to allocate any state asset at his discretion and at any time he chooses. He clarified that his concerns were not directed personally at President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, noting that the President would not remain in office indefinitely. However, Ziyad expressed uncertainty over whether all of the Maldives' uninhabited islands and lagoons might be distributed during the remaining two years of the current administration's term.

Noting that the Parliament remains powerless even if the government proceeds in this manner, Ziyad stated that the members' hands are effectively tied.