Lawmakers push no-confidence vote on Maseeh, Riza

Opposition lawmakers are in the process of gathering signatures for a petition to push for a vote of no confidence on Speaker of People’s Majlis, MP Abdulla Maseeh Mohamed and Guraidhoo MP Ibrahim Riza – who is the member appointed to Judicial Service Commission (JSC) from People’s Majlis.

A lawmaker who spoke to “Sun” said that rumors the petition was being pushed by lawmakers loyal to Leader of Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), former Maldivian President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom was false. And that the petition was being pushed by lawmakers who oppose President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom.

“I am a representative elected both to the People’s Majlis formed with the new Constitution, and to the current People’s Majlis. I haven’t seen a Majlis Speaker who runs it so badly. Maseeh, who is the Majlis Speaker isn’t running the Majlis as it should be run in, in any way,” said the lawmaker.

The lawmaker went on to say that Maseeh was running People’s Majlis as if he was running one of his personal businesses. And that he was making amendments to Majlis regulations as he wished.

The lawmaker said a vote of no confidence was being taken on Guraidhoo MP Ibrahim Riza because he continued to practice law despite being a member of JSC.

“As you know, with the position Riza is in, he has the authority to transfer judges from one court to another. We see he is pushing his own agenda using the power of his position. And let me tell you, we are getting multiple complaints from the public because of Riza’s actions,” said the lawmaker, who asked to remain anonymous.

As per Majlis regulation, lawmakers are required to submit a petition with signatures of no less than 15 lawmakers along with the reason, if they wish to push for a vote of no confidence on a Speaker of Majlis. The relevant lawmakers are required to be provided notice within three days, after the petition is submitted.

There is no such requirement when pushing for a no-confidence vote on the lawmaker appointed as a member of JSC.

The move comes amid a massive shakeup within the ruling political party, PPM, with the formation of two factions – Maumoon’s faction and Yameen’s faction.

Maumoon recently announced that he has officially withdrawn his support for the government, which he had campaigned to bring into power.