Majlis Standing Committees resume work after two months

Standing Committees in the People’s Majlis (the Maldivian parliament) have resumed work after two months of inactivity following a change in the seat-holding structure in the Majlis. During the recess in May this year, some MPs belonging to the main opposition Divehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) ditched their side and joined the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), instigating a hot dispute over the rearrangement of the composition in Majlis Standing Committees. The issue over committee composition was settled after a prolonged conflict, and today, speakers for all the committees were appointed.

People’s Majlis informed today that speakers and deputy speakers were elected for 12 of the 13 standing committees at meetings held in the Majlis starting from 11:00 pm. As per the new arrangements, six committees would be chaired by MPs belonging to the ruling MDP, and six would be chaired by MPs from opposition sides, while one committee would be chaired by independent MP Mohamed Nasheed, who represents Kulhudhuffushi Dhekunu constituency. Nasheed chairs the Committee on Independent Commission.

The 241 Committee, or the Committee on Security Services, whose chair has been hotly disputed between MDP and the opposition would be headed by Qasim Ibrahim, one of the major opposition leaders, founder of Jumhoory Party and MP for Maamigili constituency. Moosa “Reeko” Manik, the outspoken MP from MDP would be the Deputy Speaker for the Committee.

Committee on Social Affairs would be chaired by Abdullah Maseeh Mohamed, MP for Fuvah Mulah Dhekunu constituency, and would have Abdul Azeez Jamal Abu Bakr, MP for Maavashu Constituency as his Deputy.

Committee on National Development would be chaired by Ahmed Eesa, MP for Kendhikulhudhoo Constituency, while Ahmed Amir, MP for Kudahuvadhoo Constituency would serve as Deputy Speaker for the same Committee.

Maria Ahmed Didi, MP for Machchan Golhi Dhekunu, Malé Constituency has been selected as Speaker for the Committee on Discipline, while the same Committee will have Ali Mohamed, MP for Velidhoo Constituency as the Deputy Speaker.

Mohamed Aslam, MP for Hithadhoo Uthuru Constituency will serve as Speaker for the Committee on Economic Affairs, while Qasim Ibrahim would serve as Deputy.

Ali Waheed, MP for Thoddu Constituency will serve as Speaker for the Committee on National Security, and Rozeina Adam, MP for Thulusdhoo Constituency would be the Deputy Speaker for the same Committee.

Speaker for the Petition Committee would be Mohamed “Colonel” Nasheed, MP for Nolhivaram Constituency, while Deputy Speaker for the Committee would be Ismail Abdul Hameed, MP for Kaashidhoo Constituency.

Committee on Privileges would be chaired by Hussain Mohamed, MP for Mathiveri Constituency, while Committee on Government Accountability would be chaired by Mohamed Mujthaz, MP for Hanimaadho Constituency. The latter would have Riyaz Rasheed as its Deputy Speaker.

Committee on General Affairs would be chaired by Nazim Rashad, MP for Thulhaadhoo Constituency, and its Deputy Speaker would be Ahmed Amir, MP for Kudahuvadhoo Constituency. Committee on Financial Affairs would be headed by Ahmed Nazim, MP for Dhiggaru Constituency, while Mohamed Nashiz, MP for Alifushi Constituency would serve as Deputy Speaker of the Committee.

The People’s Majlis today said that speakers and deputy speakers of all the Standing Committees would meet tonigh at 9:30 pm with Majlis Speaker Abdullah Shahid to discuss a number of issues.