Speaker of Parliament Abdul Raheem Abdulla has said today that he fills the post with complete autonomy and does not face obstruction from any source.
Speaker of Parliament Abdul Raheem Abdulla has said today that he fills the post with complete autonomy and does not face obstruction from any source.
Abdul Raheem, also the Chairperson of ruling People's National Congress (PNC), made this statement in response to opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) MP for South Galolhu Meekail Ahmed Naseem's remarks questioning the Speaker's situation.
A debate was held in parliament today on the report submitted by the Public Accounts Committee on reducing government expenditures. In the debate, Meekail instead referred to the bill proposed yesterday to decrease the number of Judges on the Supreme Court bench from seven to five.
The Speaker interrupted Meekail's remarks and asked him to stick to the topic being currently debated.
Meekail responded by stating that he is concerned about the situation the Speaker is in, alleging 'the Parliament has a speaker who is being held at gunpoint'.
Speaker Abdul Raheem responded, stating that Meekail has no clue about the Speaker's health condition, living condition or any other details.
He asserted that he remains as Speaker free from any external influence and with independence and autonomy.
He asked Meekail to refrain from making false statements that would mislead the public.
Meekail again responded, saying he is aware of 'what the government is doing' to Abdul Raheem's son and family. He referred to the dismissal of the Speaker's son Ibrahim Faisal from his earlier post as Minister of Tourism.
Abdul Raheem went on to dismiss Meekail's claims about the bill on decreasing Supreme Court judges, stating that submitting a bill to parliament is not 'weaponizing the parliament'.
He stated that the Parliament has the mandate to create and amend laws.
Earlier today, Meekail submitted an emergency motion against the bill as well, however it was rejected.
Sign In
