MPs refusing to attend Parliament sessions

MPs are refusing to attend Parliamentary sessions at the Majlis building during the lockdown order initiated in the capital.

NEOC also announced tonight that it had not been consulted with, on the decision to hold Parliamentary sessions. 

The capital city of Male' is under lockdown until May 28. The measures in place are expected to be relaxed afterward. The Parliament had announced earlier today that it would be conducting actual sessions inside the Majlis building under safety precautions.

Speaker of the Parliament Mohamed Nasheed had also stated that he had informed the Director-General of Public Health Maimoonaa Aboobakuru that it was impractical to wait until May 28 to hold sessions.

Speaker Nasheed had said in a Whatsapp group of the Parliament that he had observed most MPs wishing to hold actual sessions. The Speaker added that a guideline of how the sessions are to be conducted will be issued by the Parliament’s administration.

However, some MPs have expressed refusal to attend the sessions. 

Thimarafushi MP Abdulla Riyaaz stated that sessions can only be held under the authorization of the HPA or Police when a state of public health emergency was declared in the country.

“I do not believe that anyone can go without the authorization of such an institution during a state of a public health emergency.” Said MP Riyaaz.

He also added that his travel from Thimarafushi to Male’ during the lockdown was also reviewed by the Parliament even when he had obtained all the necessary permits. Parliament’s Ethics Committee had found no wrongdoings in MP Riyaaz’s travel after a review.

MP Riyaaz requested a copy of the permit, if issued, for MPs to attend the sessions. 

MP for Vilingili Ahmed Usham also stated that the authorization of the HPA was required for MPs to attend the Parliament. 

“MPs would also have to adhere to constitutional orders.” Said MP Usham.

Kendhoo MP Ali Hussain also stated that there was nothing that can be done constitutionally in the case, after reiterating the same as MP Usham regarding the authorization of HPA.

MP for North Thinadhoo, Abdul Mughny also expressed his refusal against attending the sessions.

Parliamentary sessions have been held virtually via Microsoft Teams during the lockdown order.