Economic Affairs Committee to hold meetings every day except Friday

The Parliament Committee on Economic Affairs, which is presently assessing the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Bill, has decided to hold meetings every day except Friday to expedite pending work.

This was passed after deliberation by members at a meeting held today.

This proposal was put forward by Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) Parliamentary Group Member Mohamed Ameeth. It was supported by PPM member Hussain Manik Dhon Manik, and voted in favour by five PPM and Maldives Development Alliance (MDA) members present at today's meeting, which was attended by eight members in total.

Jumhooree Party (JP) Parliamentary Group Leader Gasim Ibrahim and JP Parliamentary Group Deputy Leader Abdulla Riyaz abstained, while Abdulla Khaleel, the chairperson, did not participate in the vote. The chairperson of the committee can only participate in the vote in the event of equal votes in favour and against a motion.

Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and JP boycotted the meeting last Thursday, following disagreements with members of PPM regarding summoning officials of relevant authorities for questioning regarding the SEZ Bill. The issue was later resolved, and MDP and JP decided last night to resume participation in the committee’s work regarding this bill.

MDP members however did not join today’s meeting.

Standing committees of the parliament normally hold meetings on official working days of the parliament, which are Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Prior to this, no standing committee has held regular meetings six days a week, except on special occasions, when meetings are also held on Friday and Saturday.