MDP, JP boycott Economic Affairs Committee

The main opposition and parliament minority party, Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), along with Jumhoory Party (JP), have decided to boycott the Economic Affairs Committee of the Parliament to protest the review of the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Bill proposed by the government.

MP Abdulla Riyaz, deputy leader of JP’s parliamentary group told Sun Online that MPs from the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), who hold a majority in the committee, is urging the committee to proceed with the SEZ Bill without a proper review.

“The committee had decided to ask from different government stakeholders their thoughts, opinions, suggestions and recommendations on this matter. But we have noticed that because PPM has a majority in the committee, they urge us to finalized the draft bill” said MP Abdulla Riyaz.

He said that the current draft of the SEZ bill, if passed, will facilitate corruption and endanger existing businesses. JP had declared support in parliament to the majority of recommendations proposed by the central bank, the Local Government Authority, Police and Customs services, Riyaz said.

MP Abdulla Riyaz said that JP will not join the committee unless the committee’s majority holders agree to consider recommendations made by the stakeholders. The issue has also been raised with the Speaker of the Parliament Abdulla Maseeh, Riyaz said.

JP leader, Maamigili MP Gasim Ibrahim, also sits in the Economic Affairs Committee, in addition to MP Riyaz.

MDP leaders were unavailable for comment at the time of publication.