MP Shiyam receives backlash from Addu MPs for emergency motion

MP for Naifaru Ahmed Shiyam has faced massive criticism from MPs representing Addu City after he submitted an emergency motion to the Parliament regarding the lack of testing capabilities for COVID-19 in the city.

MP Shiyam’s motion was regarding the lack of testing and protective equipment in the city to treat COVID-19. Addu City is widely regarded as the second most populated and developed region of the country. 

In total, there are seven MPs representing different constituencies of Addu City in the current parliament, and MP Shiyam faced criticism from almost every single one of these MPs today during the Parliamentary session.

“MPs of Addu City are not asleep”

Speaking in the session, Maradhoo MP Ibrahim Shareef said that it was not a surprise that MP Shiyam was not fully aware of the facts regarding the situation with Addu City. He even directed criticism towards MP Shiyam for not focusing on his own constituency.

“I was under the impression that all the tests and facilities were prepared in Naifaru, for the concern regarding the lack of these facilities in Addu City to be made.” Says MP Shareef.

He stated that the Maldives was not a country where test kits for the virus were available from the corner store and that the country was also not a producer of the machines to process these tests. 

“The government is working nonstop. We, MPs of Addu City are not asleep. Day and night, we are monitoring the steps taken by the government regarding this.” Says MP Shareef.

He says that he accepts the fact that the Maldives was not testing enough, but says that the country was utilizing the few resources it has for the right purpose at the right time. 

MP Shareef also refuted the statement by MP Shiyam saying that Addu City did not have enough equipment such as PPEs, gloves, masks, and sanitizers.

“It is incorrect to say that there are not enough sanitizers, gloves, and masks for frontline workers (In Addu City).” Says MP Shareef.

“If the case from Addu was positive, testing would be arranged immediately”

An individual transported from Addu City to Male’ had recently tested positive for the virus. A secondary test later showed that the individual was negative.

After the results of the first test, Addu City was placed in lockdown, only to be later lifted when the individual tested negative. However, concerns still remain due to the fact that there is a lack of testing arrangements in the city.

Addu Meedhoo MP Rozaina Adam, speaking in today’s session says testing arrangements would have been made immediately if the individual was confirmed as positive.

“We would have made arrangements for testing in Addu City immediately, even if we had to transport a machine from here (Male’ City). But since the case was not positive, and the fact that there are many to be tested in Male’ City, it is being continued.” Says MP Rozaina.

MP Rozaina stated that the priority was in Male’ City where hundreds of people have to be tested for the virus. If samples have to be taken from anywhere else within the country, it can be done within 24 hours, says MP Rozaina.

She also stated that MPs of Addu were working nonstop regarding the situation. MPs had even met with the Vice President Faisal Naseem had Health Minister Abdulla Ameen last night to hold discussions, says MP Rozaina.

Hulhudhoo MP Ilyas Labeeb stated that there was nothing that the government nor MPs of Addu were unaware of, in MP Shiyam’s emergency motion. He added that the Addu City Hospital had 200 PPE kits while each health center had 10 PPE kits. The facilities also had all the other necessary equipment as well. 

MP Ilyas says that efforts are being made to establish testing capabilities in Addu City. 

“The government has ensured that if a community spread occurs in Addu City, stocks would be increased immediately.” Says MP Ilyas.

“This is not an emergency motion, but an indication of an emergency coup”

MP for Feydhoo Mohamed Nihaadh described MP Shiyam’s motion by labeling that it was not an emergency motion.

“I believe that this is an emergency situation. This is an indication of a sudden coup being devised. Many such things are being seen in the country.” Says MP Nihaadh.

He described the motion as an attempt to fool the citizens of Addu City with an untrue image and antagonize them against the government.

“Citizens of Addu are not ignorant today. They know that the USD 400 test kits spoken about by MP Shiyam would give positive test results for even a papaya. This is not something the citizens of Addu are confused about.” Says MP Nihaadh.

South Hithadhoo MP Ibrahim Naazil, also speaking in today’s session, says that all the MPs of the city were working together to ensure the safety of its citizens. He also added that testing arrangements being made in Addu City would bring relief to the entirety of the south.