MP Afeef and Deputy Speaker Eva violates parliament privilege: Disciplinary Committee

According to the Parliament Privilege and Disciplinary Committee, both Deputy Speaker Eva Abdulla and Vilufushi MP Hassan Afeef has breached the parliament's privilege on Sunday, November 12.

Afeef's disciplinary issue was submitted to the committee by Maldivian Democratic Party's (MDP) parliamentary group leader Mohamed Aslam.

The Vilufushi MP presided as chair of the Sunday's initial sitting at 09:00 a.m.

In his complaint to the parliament committee, Aslam said Afeef's decision to dismiss the sitting was in violation of the parliament regulation and diminished the authority of the entire legislative.

During the committee meeting, Milandhoo MP Ali Riza had further requested to deem Deputy Speaker Eva Abdulla's decision to dismiss the second sitting unlawful as well.

The members of the Parliament Privilege and Disciplinary Committee unanimously approved that both Deputy Speaker Eva and MP Afeef breached the parliament's privilege. The ruling party holds majority of the committee as well.

Parliament regulations stipulate that matters approved by the committee should be forwarded to the parliament secretariat. Subsequently, a vote is called to determine whether a debate on the matter is necessary. If the parliamentary majority votes against further discussion, the matter is concluded.

Members further requested from the committee to disallow The Democrats members to preside as chair for Nasheed's no-confidence motion sitting.