MP Nasheed fails to attend Majlis sitting, no reason provided

South Kulhudhuffushi MP Mohamed Nasheed was absent from the People’s Majlis sitting this Monday during which parliamentarians voted on a regulation change which effectively kicked out no-confidence motions filed against Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Majlis.

Leader of ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM)’s parliamentary group, Vilimale’ MP Ahmed Nihan Hussain Manik reported to “Sun” that MP Nasheed gave no reason for his absence from the sitting to the parliamentary group and that he had not responded to calls.

“I have no idea why Usthaz Nasheed was absent. We expect Nasheed was absent due to poor health. We called his phone. His phone was switched off,” said Nihan.

Nasheed has not responded to calls and texts from “Sun” to find out the reason for his absence.

Fellow PPM parliamentarian, Faresmaathodaa MP Hussain Mohamed Latheef was absent from the sitting.

Nihan said Hussain was in Bangkok, Thailand for medical treatment, and was due to return this Monday night.

“We accept his excuse. Hussain is receiving treatment from Bangkok for a fracture. He’ll be coming back to Maldives at 11 pm, tonight,” said Nihan.

Article 175 of People’s Majlis regulation which had allowed acceptance of no-confidence petitions on Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Majlis filed with signatures of minimum 15 lawmakers was amended to minimum 42 lawmakers with the unanimous vote of 46 parliamentarians from the PPM and Maldives Development Alliance (MDA) this Monday.

Opposition parliamentarians had walked out of the Majlis prior to the vote. Vilingili MP Saud Hussain – who had voted in support of the government during the failed no-confidence motion on Speaker of People’s Majlis Abdulla Maseeh Mohamed on March 27 – had also walked out prior to the vote this Monday.