Gov’t Treating Legislative Amendments as a Game, Ignoring Bill Submission Procedures: Ameen

Ameen Faisal, the Member of Parliament for the Kanditheemu constituency, has criticized the government's approach to legislative amendments, claiming that ministries and state institutions are treating the submission of bills to Parliament as a "game." He further noted that officials appear unaware that some proposed amendments are already existing provisions within current laws.

During Wednesday's People's Majlis sitting, the Economic Affairs Committee submitted its report on the proposed amendment to the Tax Administration Act. The amendment was introduced on behalf of the government by Mohamed Ismail, the Member of Parliament for the Villimalé constituency.

Debating the report, the member stated that in the 20th People's Majlis, government ministries have effectively turned members into robots, particularly regarding the amendment of government-sponsored bills.

The member noted that the bill was initially referred to the Economic Affairs Committee in 2025. However, after remaining idle for nearly a year, there was a sudden push to expedite its completion as the current term neared its end. The member further clarified that although the bill had been finalized once before—incorporating amendments from all relevant agencies and ministries during the initial drafting stage—it had failed to reach the floor for a vote at that time.

The member stated that despite completing work on the bill with additional amendments, the efforts were deemed unsatisfactory, and the necessary further revisions were not submitted. The member further noted that although the bill was passed for a second time, it still failed to reach the floor for debate.

This was passed for the third time, yet it never reached the floor. It has only now reached the floor after being passed for the fourth time. Even when the ministries submit amendments, they are unaware of whether those amendments align with current laws. They have turned this entire process into a game. When we are asked to finish the work—even if it means staying from 8:30 p.m. until 10:45 p.m.—we get it done. However, by the time we wake up the next day and the committee agenda is set, the ministries have failed to send the necessary amendments. We are talking about a bill that has languished in committee for an entire year. Now that the term is nearing its end, they are trying to rush it. We can certainly work through an extension of 11 or 12 days to complete this.

Amin Faisal

The MP emphasized that government officials were not appointed against their will or forced to take on their responsibilities, noting that legislative amendments are proposed at their own request. He stressed that they must demonstrate greater accountability when introducing such changes, adding that if they are unable to fulfill their duties, they have the option to resign and return home. MP Ameen further stated that no cabinet minister or managing director has been appointed under duress.