Joint Parliamentary Group renewed

The Joint Parliamentary Group (JPG), which was formed by current pro-government parties when they were the opposition, has been renewed. Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) was not included when new members were assigned to JPG.

Vilufushi MP Riyaz Rasheed said that the new JPG Leader is the same as before - Mulaku MP Abdullah Yameen.

Deputy Leaders are Vilufushi MP Riyaz Rasheed and Gemanafushi MP Ilham Ahmed.

Five whips were also appointed, who are Maavashu MP Abdul Azeez Jamal Abubakr, Nilandhoo MP Abdul Muhsin Hameed, Ungoofaaru MP Dr Afrasheem Ali, Vaikaradhoo MP Ali Arif and Fares Maathoda MP Ibrahim Mutthalib.

JPG existed during former President Nasheed’s administration, and according to Riyaz, the purpose of renewing the group is to remain active in the changing political arena.

DRP Leader Ahmed Thasmeen Ali had stated earlier that a JPG is not necessary to work with the government. It has not yet been possible to contact DRP to clarify their current stand on the issue.