Parties had decided that Shahid will not participate in today

The Parliament Office has said that the Speaker of Parliament Abdullah Shahid did not attend today’s meeting because it had been decided by the relevant political parties that Shahid will not participate in this meeting.

The Parliament Office issued this statement in response to accusations by Parliamentarians that Shahid’s failure to be present at today’s meeting, which was held at President’s Office to facilitate a stable setting to resume the presently suspended Parliament, shows his lack of concern for the disruption of the Parliament.

“This decision was made unanimously by MDP, PPM, DRP and PA who were present at that meeting,” reads the statement.

Leader of Jumhooree Party (JP) Gasim Ibrahim has heavily criticised the Speaker for being absent from today’s meeting, and even called for his resignation.

The statement of the Parliament Office also explains that the JP Leader Gasim Ibrahim left the meeting held on 3 July early, to participate in a special ceremony held to mark JP’s anniversary.