20th Majlis is a parliament of hired members and bots: Meekail

Meekail Ahmed Naseem, the MDP Member of Parliament for the South Galolhu constituency, has characterized the 20th People’s Majlis as an assembly of "hired members" and "bots."

During Monday's Parliament sitting, members debated a petition calling for the abolition of the high-end health insurance coverage exclusive to lawmakers, which is currently unavailable to the general public.

Debating the petition, MP Meekail stated that the recurring public concern regarding the allowances and privileges of Parliament members stems directly from the legislature's performance. He noted that if the People's Majlis delivered the results expected by the public, there would be little grievance over the salaries, benefits, or insurance packages provided to members.

However, Meekail noted that if the public perceives the People's Majlis as an underperforming institution that has been reduced to a mere desk of the President's Office, they will no longer believe that the salaries, allowances, and insurance provided to members are justified.

No matter how loud the outcry, this is the reality. This is the simple truth, and it must be accepted. As long as we are here, we will not allow our voices to be silenced in this Parliament by independent members—branded as the government's hired proxies—who are repeatedly used to amend the parliamentary regulations.

Meekail Ahmed Naseem

Following the member's remarks, Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla, presiding over the session, urged the member to refrain from using language that is offensive or defamatory toward fellow parliamentarians.

Responding to those remarks, Meekail stated that it is the members themselves who are undermining the dignity of the People's Majlis. He further asserted that the 20th Parliament consists of "hired members" and described it as a "parliament of bots."

The 20th People's Majlis: A parliament of rented members and bots.

Meekail Ahmed Naseem

Following this, the Chair once again interrupted the member’s remarks, urging them to stay within the bounds of parliamentary decorum. The Chair further emphasized that members must not be referred to as "bots" or "mercenaries," warning that the member would be denied the floor if such language continued.

It is our right to express our views regarding the conduct of the members of this Parliament. This is not the governing charter of the PNC. You cannot simply discard the rules here as easily as you sidelined Asma. This Parliament belongs to the people. It is not the PNC Senate, nor is it a PNC campaign rally. This is the People’s Majlis. We will speak out here. We will not remain silent while the regulations of this institution are being subverted.

The petition asserts that providing members of parliament with a private health insurance package funded by the public—one that is unavailable to the citizens they represent—is a practice unrecognized by any mature political system. It further notes that such a privilege is not even granted in countries significantly wealthier than the Maldives.