Parliament's "national efforts" will bring about joy: Nazim

Deputy Speaker of Parliament Ahmed Nazim stated today that some of the changes being made to the initiative of the Parliament are "not popular" and difficult in nature, but said changes would straighten out the community and bring about happiness in the future.

During today's Parliament sitting that debated the legislation to criminalize gambling which was submitted by Hithadhoo MP and PNC member Ahmed Azan on behalf of the government, Nazim stated that quite a number of individuals from Gen Z have been gambling online and have become addicted.

He stated that banning such an act would not be a popular move and it would not be easy to execute either.

As per Nazim, it would be difficult to stop gambling as this is the age of the internet and social media.

"I believe that the unpopular and difficult changes brought about by our work will and already do see our community changing for the better," said Nazim.

As an example, Nazim highlighted the Maldives' airports and international seaports being handed over to the Aviation Security Command.

Nazim said that this change was brought about by the government upon recommendation from the Parliament's Committee on National Security Services (241 Committee).

"This is a very important change as acts such as smuggling occur via seaports as well and not just through airports. And so the change where seaports were handed over to the Aviation Security Command is, as I believe, something that should be highlighted as a source of pride by the Parliament," as was said by Nazim.

As per Nazim, the Parliament needs to view this as a source of pride as it was the Parliament that told the government of the dangers that have been introduced to the seaports.

He also said that the Parliament's "national efforts" will bring about happiness in the future.

The responsibility of overseeing international seaports was handed over, along with the name of the Aviation Security Command being changed to the Aviation and Ports Security Command was done via a resolution from President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on 28th December 2025.

In a statement, the President’s Office said President Dr Mohamed Muizzu had decided to transfer responsibility for seaport security to the command, which operates under the Ministry of Defence, to ensure that international ports are overseen by a specialised government agency.

The Aviation and Ports Security Command, staffed by specially trained officers, was assigned the additional role following a number of security breaches reported at MPL ports.