MP Saneef: Parliament floor being used to promote MDP elections, shameful

South Thinadhoo MP Abdulla Saneef said on Tuesday that it was shameful the Parliament floor was being used as a platform to promote the main ruling party, Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)’s internal elections.

He made the comment in response to remarks by former MDP parliamentary group leader, Central Henveiru MP Ali Azim during the parliamentary debate on the companies bill on Tuesday morning.

Joining the debate, Azim said there were 36 state-owned enterprises, but only 10 were properly functional.

Azim said that the current administration itself had established 12 new state-owned enterprises.

He criticized Economic Minister Fayyaz Ismail – who is running for the position of MDP Chairperson - alleging that some of the enterprises were established to line his own pockets.

“Three enterprises have been created for housing. One is the Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation. I have yet to see any of these enterprises doing anything,” he said.

Responding to Azim’s remarks, Saneef said that Azim’s comments were tyrannical, and that it was regretful that he was allowed to make such comments with MDP’s leader, former President Mohamed Nasheed serving as Parliament Speaker.

Saneef said that the Parliament floor had become a platform to promote the views of a particular group ahead of the MDP internal elections.

“We are ashamed that the Parliament floor has become a place to talk about and promote the MDP internal elections,” he said.

Saneef also said that Azim should be ashamed to make such remarks regarding the government given his previous position as MDP parliamentary group leader.

Nasheed responded by defending Azim’s comments.

Nasheed said that parliamentarians were required to speak in accordance with parliamentary regulations, and not to please each other.

“Central Henveiru MP, in his remarks, shared information regarding the number of state-owned enterprises, the work of the enterprises, and when the enterprises were established. You, honorable parliamentarian, are linking this information to other things,” he said.

The most highly contested seat in the upcoming MDP elections is that of the party’s chairperson. The seat is being contested by Fayyaz and North Maafannu MP Imthiyaz Fahmy (Inthi).

Some believe the election is also a competition between President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and Nasheed. Fayyaz is believed to be backed by the President, while Inthi is believed to be backed by Nasheed.