Committee rejects revision to limit Speaker

The Parliament General Committee has rejected the proposed revision to the Parliament rules of procedure, to limit the authority of the Speaker of Parliament that allows him to suspend the Parliament in the event that the Parliament faces potential danger.

The revision was proposed by Kaashidhoo MP Abdullah Jabir. It details that in the event that the suspended period of the Parliament is deemed too long by MPs, the Speaker should resume the sittings within three days of being presented with a letter signed by 25 MPs.

At the Committee meeting held today, Maldivian Democratic Party’s (MDP) Baarah MP Mohamed Shifaz said that the revision limits the authority of the head of one of the state powers. Shifaz did not support limiting powers accorded by the Constitution.

He highlighted that it would be the Speaker, and not MPs, who would be informed of threats faced by the Parliament.

Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party’s (DRP) Medhu-henveiru MP Ali Azim said that the Speaker should be allowed the freedom to work, as he is elected by the Parliament.

“The rules should remain as they are now, to ensure that the Parliament functions without influence in the future. Otherwise those in power will try to influence the Parliament,” he said.

Progressive Party of Maldives’ (PPM) Nilandhoo MP Abdul Muhsin Hameed supported the revision, and said that it does not limit the authority of the Speaker; rather, it would establish a policy for resuming Parliament sittings.

As members were divided on the issue, Vaikaradhoo MP Ali Arif proposed to take a vote. This suggestion was supported by Muhsin.

The revision was voted in favour only by Muhsin and Arif.

The Speaker suspended the Parliament for about one month this year, following the unrest sparked by the change of government on 7 February 2012.