PPM/PNC alleges that the rejection of the SDF bill was done through deception. Government MPs also implied that this was done in accordance with MDP's wishes.
The ruling PPM/PNC (Progressive Party of the Maldives party / People’s National Congress party) parliamentary group has alleged that the vote on the Sovereign Development Fund (SDF) bill submitted by the government to the Parliament was rejected by the Speaker of the Parliament through deception.
Last Tuesday, only two members participated in the vote on the SDF bill aimed at reducing the burden of paying State debt. The bill was rejected when Vice-President of the Parliament and Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) member Ahmed Saleem voted against it.
Speaking at a press conference held on Thursday, by the minority party in Parliament, PNC, minority leader Fonadhoo MP Moosa Siraj stated that the vote on the bill took place when government members lost the quorum due to their dissatisfaction with the special committee set up to accept and send the Anti-Defection bill.
According to MP Moosa Siraj, they were in discussions with members of the Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO) regarding the committee at the time.
At the time, government-aligned members were present at the Parliament premises to discuss the matter. According to the MP, the vote was taken without ringing the bell for the vote and without notification in the WhatsApp group of MPs as usual.
“The rejection of this bill goes against the regulations, and the vote was taken after adjournment, without informing us that the Parliament was in session and without notifying us that the vote was taking place afterwards. This is very worrying”, he said.
He emphasized that it is important for people to be aware that the bill was rejected without the required quorum, with only two members. He added that if it was known that the vote was taking place, the government members would have participated in the vote on such an important bill.
Eydhafushi constituency MP Ahmed Saleem stated that the day’s voting was conducted through deception, as per the wishes of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).
Considering it as a major national issue, members regarded the dismissal of the bill as a matter of concern, as it was allegedly done through deception.
During Wednesday's meeting, government members raised concerns. Speaker Mohamed Aslam stated that the vote was conducted in accordance with parliamentary regulations. He informed them that proceedings would resume after a 15-minute adjournment.
Speaker Aslam stated that all voting procedures were followed and the members were duly informed that the vote would take place.
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