Maldives opposition MP to boycott PM Modi's speech at parliament

Opposition lawmaker, Ahmed “Tom” Thoriq has decided to boycott the parliament sitting where India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi is to deliver a speech.

The Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) MP announced this via his Facebook page on Thursday.

He noted that he had also abstained from the vote taken to grant approval for the speech.

While he still intends to attend Saturday’s sitting, MP Thoriq said that he will leave the parliament floor prior to Modi’s speech “to stand against the inhumane treatment against Indian Muslims.”

Noting that the parliament sitting is set for 6:45pm, Thorig further said that this “is the first step in turning Maldives into a secular state.”

While the People’s Majlis has been facing criticism over the timing of the sitting, its secretary general said that “this was the only available time for the prime minister.”