Majlis sittings cancelled for the week

People’s Majlis has made the decision not to hold any Majlis sittings this week.

Deputy Leader of ruling, Progressive Party of Malidves (PPM) Parliamentary Group, Vilifushi MP Riyaz Rasheed spoke to “Sun” on Sunday and said that it had been discussed within the parliamentary group not to hold any sittings this week as it coincides with Independence Day holidays, and the only day available to hold a Majlis sitting this week is Tuesday.

The government has declared a 5-day public holiday on occasion of Independence Day this year, from July 26 - 30.

People’s Majlis regulation makes it compulsory for Majlis sittings to be held each Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

However, Speaker of People’s Majlis Abdulla Maseeh did not announce a date for the next sitting when he concluded the last Majlis sitting, held last Wednesday.

Secretary-General of Majlis, Ahmed Mohamed spoke to “Sun” and said that a Majlis sitting can be held only one day this week – if it will, in fact, be held – and noted that Majlis Speaker

Maseeh had not announced a date for the next sitting when he concluded the last sitting on Wednesday.

“The Speaker usually announces a date for the next Majlis sitting at the end of each sitting. But the Speaker did not make the announcement,” said Ahmed Mohamed.

Majlis provided their approval for the new Vice President Abdulla Jihad during the last Majlis sitting held on Wednesday.

Important bills pending include the anti-defamation bill, which will re-criminalize defamation – currently listed as a civil offense.