Parliament heats up over Minister Shaheem's response to MDP MPs

Parliament floor got heated during today's sitting after Islamic Minister Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed's response to Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir's question, with Mauroof raising his voice in response.

Minister Shaheem attended Parliament today in order to answer MP Mauroof's question regarding Kendhoo's mosque development project which has been in stasis.

After the minister’s response, South Hithadhoo MP and MDP member Ibrahim Nazil posed a follow up question. He then dismissed the minister’s reply and responded in a raised tone.

Nazil stated that the Islamic center in Addu Hihadhoo that was awarded to a contractor was not being built due the contractor not being paid. Nazil requested that the Islamic center be completed within the next two to three years.

"The information the Honorable Member has shared is false. All payments have been made to the company in charge of the construction of the mosque and the center. The work is being delayed due to the project being given to those who do not have the capacity to proceed," said Minister Shaheem in response to Nazil's accusations.

When Minister Shaheem continued to speak within that context, MP Nazil and other members began to raise their voices.

Shaheem responded, "If the Honorable Members pose a question, then you must listen to the answer."

Shaheem said that those who ask questions “should be capable of receiving an answer.” He went on to claim that the previous MDP administration had left the Islamic Ministry with a debt of MVR 50 million, adding that the MP “should be embarrassed to ask such questions.”

Tensions flared in Parliament as PNC and MDP MPs exchanged heated arguments. Several MDP members approached the minister’s desk, shouting in protest, while PNC MPs moved in to defuse the situation and calm the chamber.

Deputy Speaker Ahmed Nazim who chaired the sitting repeatedly advised Kendhoo MP and MDP member Mauroof Zakir.

After repeatedly warning Mauroof to return to his seat, Nazim requested that he leave the Parliament floor.

Shaheem proceeded to respond to the questions posed by MPs after the altercation.