MP raises issue of being denied access to Special Needs Centre

Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) MP for North Galolhu Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudu) has raised an issue in parliament stating that the Health Ministry has refused to grant him access to the Special Needs Centre in K. Guraidhoo.

MP Ibrahim applied for permission to enter the Special Needs Centre in April, to conduct a report on the centre's condition. However, he failed to receive a response to the letter sent addressed to Health Minister Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim.

Ibrahim submitted the issue to Parliament's Committee on Members' Privileges and Ethics, stating that this encroaches upon the privileges granted to an MP.

As per the Parliamentary Privileges and Powers Act, if a MP visits a government office or State institution, they must be granted cooperation and assistance in what they aim to do. Arrangements should also be made to provide them with requested information at the earliest.

In MP Ibrahim's letter to the parliament committee, he said that the ministry's failure to respond to his letter appears to be a breach of the Parliamentary Privileges and Powers Act. He requested the committee to look into the matter.

However, the committee rejected the case. MP Ibrahim is now working on raising the issue on the parliament floor.