MDP revokes MP Jabir

Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has decided to revoke the de facto parliamentary ticket granted to controversial businessman and current Kaashidhoo MP Abdulla Jabir.

The decision was made unanimously by a party disciplinary committee today. The committee also decided to strip Jabir of parliamentary group privileges.

Jabir was penalized for voting against MDP's whip line on two different occasions, first over granting approval to President Yameen’s cabinet, and again over the party decision to retain the penal code bill.

The controversial businessman has also been indicted for drugs and alcohol charges over his arrest from the uninhabited island of Haa Dhaalu Hondiadhoo in November 2012, charges that Jabir has denied in court.

Kaashidhoo ticket was granted to Jabir when no other candidate opposed him for the seat during the primary application period.

MDP chairperson Reeko Moosa Manik said today that he was not aware of an action against Jabir. Details of the disciplinary committee’s decision will be revealed tomorrow, the party's chairperson said.