Parliament to seek compensation for damaged microphone during committee clash

Parliament’s Privileges and Ethics Committee has decided to seek compensation for the damage caused to a microphone during a heated clash at the Independent Institutions Committee meeting held on September 15 to review the media regulation bill.

During the altercation, one microphone and the bases of two microphones were damaged.

At today’s meeting, the committee decided to pursue recovery of the repair costs once the total value of the damage is confirmed.

The proposal to seek compensation was submitted by Madaveli MP Mohamed Shameez, who suggested the issue be reviewed again at the next meeting after receiving detailed cost information. Kinbidhoo MP Ali Ashraq supported the motion, which was passed unanimously.

The meeting held on September 15 turned chaotic after Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir who is not a member of the committee, switched on a microphone and began speaking during the discussions.

Henveiru South MP Hussain Imran objected, saying the meeting could not continue in that manner. Thoddoo MP Hussain Sameer then grabbed the microphone cable, preventing Imran from taking it away.

It is believed that the committee is considering seeking compensation for the damaged microphone from Mauroof, Imran, and Sameer.

The final decision will be made after confirming the total value of the damaged equipment.