MP Andhun Hussain: “Nasty” to suggest zero consequences for whip line violations

MDP parliamentary group’s deputy leader Hussain Shaheem (Andhun Hussain) said Tuesday that talk of violation of whip lines issued by the party’s parliamentary group requiring no punishment was “nasty” and “regrettable”.

Andhun Hussain, who represents the South Henveiru constituency, made the comment during the parliamentary sitting on Tuesday.

He said that it wasn’t right to violate procedure just because one lost majority to make party-related decisions.

“It is regrettable, nasty and unfortunate to say it isn’t necessary to take the measures we had previously taken against people who served as chairperson and in various other positions within MDP for violation of whip lines, the moment they lose their position,” he said.

The comments come after MDP parliamentary group decided on Monday to file a no-confidence motion against Prosecutor General Hussain Shameem with the Parliament. The motion had passed with a vote of 21-17.

Shortly after the vote, parliamentarians who plan on backing Shameem added their names to a list which was shared on MDP national council Whatsapp group. 19 parliamentarians added their name to the list, including MDP leader and Parliament speaker, former president Mohamed Nasheed.

Deputy speaker Eva Abdulla, who had also added her name to the list, sent a text message to MDP parliamentary group’s Whatsapp group on Tuesday stating she refused to follow whip lines issued without debate, no matter what the consequences.

Parliamentarians in favor of dismissing PG Shameem have criticized Nasheed for moving against the the parliamentary group’s majority.