Parliamentary Group Leader of ruling People's National Congress (PNC) Falah Ibrahim has today dismissed rumours claiming the party is planning to remove Deputy Speaker Ahmed Nazim from his post as unfounded.
Asked about the rumours by Mihaaru News, Falah responded that no situation requiring Nazim's dismissal has come up and added that the rumours were no more than idle speculation devoid of any factual basis.
"They are spreading blatant lies. It's completely untrue," he asserted.
Although Falah has strongly denied the rumours, another member, on condition of anonymity, has shared that PNC is working on "asking, in whatever manner they can, for Nazim to step down" from the post of Deputy Speaker.
"They have not yet started gathering signatures to remove Nazim from the post," they said.
Mihaaru News also reached out to Nazim for comment, but he did not respond to calls at the time of press.
To date, Nazim has been a highly influential figure in the ruling party, serving as Deputy Speaker and sitting on two of the most prominent parliamentary committees, National Security Services Committee (241 Committee) and Public Accounts Committee.
However, Nazim was removed from both these committees earlier today, following which he has been transferred to the comparatively minor Environment Committee.
The National Security Services Committee is often called the 241 Committee in reference to Article 241 of the Maldives Constitution. This is the only parliament committee that is specifically mentioned in the Constitution. It bears responsibility of oversight of security services, and advises the parliament and the government on related affairs.
The Public Accounts Committee, meanwhile, has always been the most highly regarded committee within the parliament. It is responsible for examining State and government expenditure and debt, among other related affairs.
Nazim has been notably active in both committees in this term, often being the MP to raise major issues for committee consideration.
According to Nazim, PNC's parliamentary group has decided to replace him on both committees because, owing to his current work obligations, he is unable to commit sufficient time for the committees.
"Maldives is hosting a meeting of the Commonwealth Parliament Group next week. I have to take the lead in that as well. And then early next month, I have to leave town on a personal trip," Nazim explained.
With his removal from the two key committees, Nazim now serves only on the State Owned Enterprises Committee and Environment and Climate Change Committee.
