MPs call for removal of Maldives from Commonwealth

Several Members of Parliament (MPs) have called for the removal of Maldives as a member of Commonwealth.

In today’s Parliament session, Maafannu Dhekunu MP Ibrahim Rasheed raised a point of order and expressed concern that Commonwealth may impose pressure on Maldives following the government’s refusal to acknowledge Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG)’s call for an early election and an independent investigation of the transfer of power.

In this debate, Vilufushi MP Riyaz Rasheed said that Maldives does not need to be affiliated with an organisation which does not uphold justice, and called for the removal of Maldives from Commonwealth:

“I urge the government to remove Maldives from Commonwealth. We do not have to be affiliated with an organisation which does not uphold justice. Commonwealth pays no attention to the fact that the government has requested for advice on how to run the Inquiry Commission, but goes on to issue strict orders. Any future ties with Commonwealth should be made after research and discussion at the Parliament.”

Fares Maathoda MP Ibrahim Mutthalib said that the current government of Maldives has been recognized by United Nations, India, United States and other countries, and CMAG therefore does not have the right to call for an early election. He also said that he supports the idea of the government proposing to Parliament that Maldives should be removed from Commonwealth:

“If the government believes that it would be best to remove the Maldives from Commonwealth, I would support the idea of passing it in the Parliament. The past 850 years have shown that Maldivians will not sell the country’s sovereignty and be ruled by a foreign group. So we don’t have to obey CMAG or any other group. We have to follow our religion and constitution. CMAG should not be a tool to destroy religion in our country.”

Gemanafushi MP Ilham Ahmed also supported Riyaz Rasheed’s call to remove Maldives from Commonwealth:

“I urge the state to immediately remove Maldives from Commonwealth through the Parliament. I call on President Waheed to do everything necessary to achieve this. They interfered with our internal affairs. They tried to make a decision for us before the national investigation into the issue could be completed. Regardless of who calls for it, no early election will be held in Maldives before 2013.”

Galolhu Dhekunu MP Ahmed Mahloof also supported the idea and said that the first thing to do is to conduct an investigation to ascertain whether the government was changed through a coup. Also, not even Commonwealth has the right to interfere with the internal affairs of Maldives:

“Commonwealth asks us to review the Inquiry Commission, at the same time calls for an early election. This raises some questions about Commonwealth’s decisions. It is not acceptable that CMAG calls for an early election against the constitution. By doing that, they are implying that the Speaker of Parliament, Chief Justice, and everybody else in the system are traitors. Commonwealth cannot make this decision. Without investigating if it was indeed a coup, not Commonwealth, not EU can interfere with our internal affairs. We will not support any opportunity to hold an early election in conflict with the constitution and rules and regulation.”

However, members of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) said that Maldives may suffer great damage from pressure imposed by Commonwealth following refusal to acknowledge their advice.

Ibrahim Rasheed, who raised the point of order, said that Maldives may end up in deep trouble if Commonwealth takes action against the country. For example, it may close all doors to education for Maldivians, as most Maldivians have obtained education from SAARC countries.

He added that Maldives should obey and follow Commonwealth’s advice to hold an early election.

“Eighty percent of Maldivians have obtained education through scholarships in Commonwealth countries. If an international organisation made up of 54 countries decides to take action against Maldives, there will be no way for the poor people in Maldives to get an education. Nobody other than children of wealthy merchants can get an education anymore,” Ibrahim Rasheed said.

Galolhu Uthuru MP Eva Abdullah said that our economy would suffer if Commonwealth takes action against Maldives, and UN and EU are observing Commonwealth’s statement on the situation in Maldives.

“CMAG is not alone in their advice. They are supported by UN, IPU, EU, and UK. EU and UK said this last week as well. If Maldives is removed from Commonwealth, or refuse to acknowledge their advice, our economy, tourism and income will be negatively affected,” Eva said.