Speaker: MPs have responsibility to protect democracy from threats of misinformation

Parliament Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla has underscored the responsibility of parliamentarians to protect democracy from the threats of disinformation and misinformation.

He made the remark while delivering an address at the 149^th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) on Monday in Geneva, Switzerland.

This year’s theme for the IPU assembly is ‘Harnessing Science, Technology, and Innovation for a More Peaceful and Sustainable Future’.

In this trajectory, Speaker Abdul Raheem spoke regarding the vital role of parliaments in closing digital divides while highlighting the People’s Majlis as the first parliament to fully transition online during the pandemic and established a Standing Committee on ICT to enhance technological oversight.

He also noted that Maldives is also actively investing in artificial intelligence (AI) to improve public services and environmental monitoring, with the aim of creating a fully digitized economy.

However, he noted the dual challenge of balancing innovation with necessary regulation, particularly emphasizing the responsibility of parliamentarians to protect democracy from the threats of disinformation and misinformation. 

Speaker Abdul Raheem also spoke regarding the significant challenges faced by Maldives as a small island nation due to climate change. In this regard, he stressed the importance of using science and technology to bring about sustainable development, especially in small island nations like the Maldives and to protect its vulnerable environment.

He affirmed Maldives’ commitment to renewable energy and sustainable development, highlighting some of the government’s initiatives on the front as underscored by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu during his speech at COP28 such as deriving 33 percent of the nation's electricity from renewable sources within five years and the national campaign to plant five million trees.

The Speaker concluded his address by expressing deep concern over the escalating violence in Palestine, urgently calling for an immediate ceasefire and urging all parties involved to prioritize peace in order to spare the Palestinian people from their sufferings. He also highlighted the ongoing conflict in Lebanon, urging for an immediate halt to hostilities to alleviate the suffering of the civilian population and restore stability.