Deputy Majlis Speaker delivers remarks implying an equivalence between Holy Quran and bills submitted to Majlis
17 އޯގަސްޓު 2026 | ހޯމަ 12:24During the parliamentary debate on the government's proposed amendment to the Income Tax Act, Deputy Speaker Ahmed Saleem accused the opposition MDP of politicizing every issue. Saleem asserted that the opposition criticizes any bill submitted by the government regardless of its merit, suggesting they would find fault even in the Quran. The proposed amendment seeks to increase the withholding tax on foreign contractors to 10 percent.
Deputy Speaker of the People's Majlis and Member of Parliament for the Eydhafushi constituency, Ahmed Saleem. | RaajjeMV
The Deputy Speaker of the People's Majlis and Member for the Eydhafushi constituency, Ahmed "Redwave" Saleem, has delivered remarks implying an equivalence between the Holy Quran and bills submitted to the Parliament.
During Monday’s Parliament sitting, members debated a bill to amend the Income Tax Act, submitted on behalf of the government by Mathiveri MP Hassan Zareer. While debating the bill, the MP noted that regardless of how beneficial a piece of legislation may be, the opposition consistently criticizes and dismisses any bill proposed by the government.
Every time a bill or any other measure is introduced, we tend to politicize it and label it as flawed. Regardless of how beneficial it may be—even if we were to bring the Holy Quran itself here—some would still speak against it, call it wrong, and question its validity.Ahmed Saleem
Saleem accused the opposition MDP of politicizing every issue, claiming that even if the Holy Quran were brought to the floor of Parliament, they would likely find fault with it.
Saleem stated that the People's Majlis should not have to stoop to such a level, noting that the PNC has no desire to engage in such conduct. However, he argued that because opposition members use inflammatory language in the chamber, it becomes necessary to respond in kind and descend to that level. Saleem further remarked that when the opposition hurls insults during bill debates, there are times when government members are compelled to retaliate with similar rhetoric.
The bill proposed by MP Zareer seeks to increase the withholding tax on payments made to foreign contractors for construction projects in the Maldives to 10 percent. The stated objective of the bill is to establish a level playing field and foster a competitive environment between Maldivian businesses and non-resident contractors bidding for construction projects within the country.
MDP members criticized the bill and highlighted several areas that require amendment.
