Members sustain injuries during parliament scuffle

The decision of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and The Democrats' parliamentary group not to approve some members of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's cabinet has caused a major uproar in the parliament.

Voting was planned to commence at 13:30 hrs this afternoon, but at that time, ruling party affiliated parliamentarians disrupted proceedings and entered the chambers of the Speaker.

The MPs also locked the chambers, and took away the voting cards in their attempts to halt proceedings.

Even after the sitting was adjourned, there was a major clash between the government-affiliated members and the opposition members, leading to a scuffle between members. When Speaker Mohamed Aslam arrived in the Chair, parliamentarians disrupted proceedings and entered the chambers of the Speaker.

During the clash, MP Shaheem can be seen tripping Kendhikulhudhoo MP Ahmed Easa. MP Shaheem also sustained injuries on his head when the two parliamentarians fell near the chamber during the scuffle. Minority leader Moosa Siraj had attempted to stop it.

Meanwhile, Mathiveri MP Hassan Zareer also sustained serious injuries on his finger. According to a parliamentarian, MP Zareer was injured during the scuffle between the members. Maradhoo MP Ibrahim Shareef alleged that MP Zareer was attacked by members of MDP.

An ambulance was brought to transport some of the injured parliamentarians to the hospital.

Currently, members belonging to the ruling party are protesting within the parliament chambers.

While the voting has been halted, pro-government supporters and officials are currently protesting outside the parliament, calling for the approval of cabinet ministers.

MDP, which has a majority in parliament, has decided not to vote to approve Attorney General Ahmed Usham, Minister of Housing, Land and Urban Development Dr. Ali Haidar, Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, and Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed.

The Democrats have also said they will not be voting to approve four members of the cabinet. Their list, however, does not include Minister Saeed, instead listing Minister of Foreign Affairs Moosa Zameer.

Ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and People's National Congress (PNC) coalition have said that denying parliamentary approval to President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's cabinet will be tantamount to obstructing the services the government gives to citizens.

"We believe that denying parliamentary approval to ministers without providing them with the opportunity to perform, and without having first judged their performance, is a lack of cooperation with the running of the government, as well as a direct obstruction of the services provided to citizens," the statement read.